Making Vietnamese Pork Sticky Rice Dumplings (Banh It Tran)

Banh It Tran, Vietnamese pork sticky rice dumplings, are more than just a snack; they’re a comforting bite of tradition, a savory symphony of textures and flavors that tell a story of Vietnamese culinary heritage. At Com Com Restaurant in London, we strive to bring you the authentic taste of these delightful dumplings, prepared with the same care and attention to detail as they are in the bustling street food stalls of Vietnam. Have you ever wondered how these little pockets of deliciousness are made? Let’s dive into the world of Banh It Tran and discover the magic behind their creation.

The Story of Banh It Tran at Com Com Restaurant

Banh It Tran’s origins trace back to the central region of Vietnam, particularly associated with the Tran Dynasty. At Com Com, we honor this history by sourcing high-quality ingredients and adhering to traditional recipes, ensuring every dumpling is a testament to its rich heritage. We believe that food is a powerful connection to the past, and we aim to share that connection with you, transporting you to the heart of Vietnam with every bite.

Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools: A Com Com Experience

Creating Banh It Tran is an art, and at Com Com Restaurant, we use only the finest ingredients. For the perfect Banh It Tran experience at home, you’ll need glutinous rice flour, savory pork filling, banana leaves for wrapping, and a steamer. Selecting quality ingredients is key – the glutinous rice flour provides the chewy texture, the rich pork filling offers the savory heart, and the banana leaves impart a subtle fragrance that elevates the overall experience.

Banh It Tran Ingredients at Com Com Restaurant

Crafting Banh It Tran: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Dough: Combine glutinous rice flour with warm water, kneading until a smooth, pliable dough forms. This is where the magic begins; the dough should be soft, not sticky, ready to embrace the savory filling.
2. Crafting the Filling: The heart of Banh It Tran lies in its savory pork filling. At Com Com, we use a blend of minced pork, shallots, garlic, and carefully selected spices. Sautéing the mixture until fragrant awakens the flavors, creating a symphony of aromas that tantalize the senses.
3. Assembling the Dumplings: Take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the flavorful pork filling in the center. Then, gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a small, sealed parcel. This is a delicate dance, a testament to the skill and artistry of Vietnamese cuisine.
4. Wrapping in Banana Leaves: Cut squares of banana leaves and wrap each dumpling individually. The banana leaves not only provide a natural casing but also infuse the dumplings with a subtle, aromatic essence.
5. Steaming to Perfection: Arrange the wrapped dumplings in a steamer basket and steam over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes. As the steam rises, it carries the enticing aroma of the dumplings, a promise of the deliciousness to come.

Tips and Variations: Exploring the Flavors of Banh It Tran

At Com Com Restaurant, we offer both traditional and innovative variations of Banh It Tran. Want to add a touch of spice? Try incorporating chili flakes into the pork filling. For a vegetarian option, substitute the pork with mushrooms and vegetables. The possibilities are endless.

Steaming Banh It Tran at Com Com

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Banh It Tran offers a balance of carbohydrates from the glutinous rice and protein from the pork filling. It’s a satisfying and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Pairing and Enjoying Banh It Tran: The Com Com Way

At Com Com, we recommend pairing Banh It Tran with a refreshing dipping sauce, like nuoc cham, a blend of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, chili, and garlic. This tangy and sweet sauce complements the savory dumplings perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Where Can I Find Authentic Banh It Tran in London?

Craving the authentic taste of Banh It Tran? Visit Com Com Restaurant at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB. We’re open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can also order online or call us at 020 7720 9928 for delivery. We’ll bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam straight to your door.

Banh It Tran Served with Nuoc Cham

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Banh It Tran?
A: Banh It Tran is a Vietnamese savory dumpling made with glutinous rice flour and filled with seasoned minced pork, steamed in banana leaves.

Q: Where can I buy Banh It Tran?
A: You can enjoy authentic Banh It Tran at Com Com Restaurant in London or order for delivery.

Q: What does Banh It Tran taste like?
A: Banh It Tran has a chewy texture from the glutinous rice and a savory, flavorful filling, enhanced by the subtle aroma of banana leaves.

Q: How is Banh It Tran made?
A: It involves making a dough from glutinous rice flour, preparing a savory pork filling, assembling and wrapping the dumplings in banana leaves, and steaming them to perfection.

Q: What do you eat Banh It Tran with?
A: Banh It Tran is typically served with nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce.

A Taste of Vietnam at Com Com

Making Vietnamese Pork Sticky Rice Dumplings (Banh It Tran) is a culinary journey that celebrates the rich traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. At Com Com Restaurant, we invite you to experience the authentic flavors and textures of this delightful dish, prepared with passion and expertise. Come savor a taste of Vietnam with us!