How to Make Traditional Sweet Sticky Rice with Glutinous Rice | Vietnamese Delicacy

How to Make Traditional Sweet Sticky Rice with Delicious Glutinous Rice

Introduction
Traditional sweet sticky rice is not only a simple dish but also embodies the essence of Vietnamese culinary culture. From festive celebrations to daily meals, sweet sticky rice is beloved for its delightful taste and vibrant colors. In this article, we will explore how to make traditional sweet sticky rice dishes like Five-Colored Sticky Rice, Gac Sticky Rice, and Pandan Sticky Rice using glutinous rice.

1. Choosing the Right Glutinous Rice for Sweet Sticky Rice

• High-Quality Glutinous Rice: Select varieties like “Cai Hoa Vang” or fragrant glutinous rice, with uniform grains and no impurities.
• Soaking the Rice: Soak the glutinous rice for 6-8 hours or overnight to ensure the grains expand evenly, making the sticky rice soft and tender.

2. Recipe for Five-Colored Sticky Rice

Five-Colored Sticky Rice is a visually appealing dish thanks to its vibrant colors derived from natural ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 500g glutinous rice.
• Natural colors:
  • Purple: Perilla leaves.
  • Green: Pandan leaves.
  • Yellow: Fresh turmeric.
  • Red: Gac fruit.
  • White: Natural glutinous rice.
• Coconut milk, sugar, salt.

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice: Divide the rice into five portions, soaking each in its respective color water for 4-6 hours.
2. Mix Spices: Mix each portion with a pinch of salt.
3. Steam the Sticky Rice: Steam each portion separately until cooked, then layer them alternately to create Five-Colored Sticky Rice.
4. Add Coconut Milk: Lightly mix coconut milk into the sticky rice for a fragrant and rich taste.

3. Recipe for Gac Sticky Rice

Gac Sticky Rice, with its vibrant red hue, symbolizes luck and happiness.

Ingredients:

• 500g glutinous rice.
• 1 ripe Gac fruit.
• White wine, sugar, salt.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gac: Scoop out the Gac fruit pulp and mix it with white wine for a richer color.
2. Mix the Rice: Combine the soaked glutinous rice with Gac pulp and a pinch of salt.
3. Steam the Sticky Rice: Steam the rice for 30-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking.
4. Add Sugar: Sprinkle sugar and mix well while the rice is still hot.

4. Recipe for Pandan Sticky Rice

Pandan Sticky Rice features a refreshing green color and a delightful aroma from fresh pandan leaves.

Ingredients:

• 500g glutinous rice.
• Fresh pandan leaves.
• Coconut milk, salt, sugar.

Instructions:

1. Extract Pandan Water: Blend pandan leaves with water and strain to obtain green pandan juice.
2. Soak the Rice: Soak the glutinous rice in pandan water for 4-6 hours.
3. Steam the Sticky Rice: Steam the rice with a pinch of salt, then add coconut milk and sugar when cooked.

5. Tips for Perfect Sweet Sticky Rice

• Water Measurement: Use just the right amount of water to avoid soggy rice.
• Double Steaming: Steam the rice once to cook it evenly, then steam again after adding coconut milk or sugar for a softer texture.
• Natural Ingredients: Use natural colors from leaves, Gac fruit, or turmeric for a healthy dish.

6. Benefits of Sweet Sticky Rice from Glutinous Rice

• Nutritional Value: Provides energy, B vitamins, and minerals.
• Health-Safe: Glutinous rice is gluten-free, suitable for those with gluten intolerance.