Vietnamese Rice Pockets with Caramelized Onions & Chilies
Course: Lunch
Cuisines: Vietnamese
Diet: Vegetarian
This Vietnamese Rice Pocket Recipe With Caramelized Onions & Chilies is a perfect way to infuse your steamed rice with an exciting burst of flavors. The delicate rice is combined with sweet caramelized onions and a touch of heat from fresh red chilies, all wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf. These little pockets offer a unique, satisfying, and wholesome snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Onion | 100 grams (sliced) |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 (sliced) |
| Oil | 1-2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Cook the Rice:
Begin by pressure cooking 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker. Allow the rice to cook for about 3 whistles. Once done, let the pressure release naturally, then set the rice aside. -
Prepare the Steamer:
Set up your idli steamer with enough water to generate steam. Place the steamer over medium heat and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes, until the steam begins to form. -
Caramelize the Onions:
While the steamer is heating, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, and sauté them until golden brown and caramelized. This process will take around 20 minutes, so be patient to get a rich, caramelized texture. -
Prepare the Rice Pockets:
Cut a square piece of banana leaf, roughly the size of a small plate. Place 1 ladle of cooked rice onto the center of the banana leaf. Top the rice with a generous amount of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of sliced dry red chilies. -
Form the Pockets:
Fold the banana leaf into a pocket or “potli” (small packet), making sure to seal the edges tightly. You can secure it with a thin string or twine to ensure the packet stays closed. -
Steam the Pockets:
Carefully place the prepared rice pockets into the preheated idli steamer. Steam for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the aromas from the caramelized onions and chilies. -
Serve:
Once steamed, remove the rice pockets from the steamer and serve hot. These pockets make a perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal or can be enjoyed on their own.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal, serve these rice pockets alongside Chicken Mappas Recipe (Chicken in Coconut Milk Curry) and Vietnamese Vegetarian Spring Rolls. The combination of these dishes will create a satisfying and vibrant meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tips:
- To make this recipe even more flavorful, you can add a few herbs like cilantro or mint to the rice before folding the pockets.
- If you don’t have access to banana leaves, you can also use parchment paper to create the pockets, though the flavor may not be as authentic.
Enjoy the simplicity and rich flavors of this unique Vietnamese dish!
