Bánh gi y

Vietnamese traditional cake

Bánh gi_y is a traditional Vietnamese cake made from glutinous rice. It is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, often associated with cultural and historical significance. The cake is known for its simplicity and is typically consumed during special occasions and festivals.

History

The origin of bánh gi_y is deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore. According to legend, the cake was created by Lang Liêu, the 18th son of the sixth Hùng King, as an offering to his father. The king had asked his sons to prepare a dish that represented the essence of heaven and earth. Lang Liêu, being poor, used simple ingredients available to him: glutinous rice. He made bánh ch_ng to represent the earth and bánh gi_y to symbolize the sky. Impressed by the symbolism and taste, the king chose Lang Liêu's cakes, and he eventually became the next king.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredient in bánh gi_y is glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice. The rice is soaked, steamed, and then pounded into a smooth, elastic dough. This process requires significant effort and is traditionally done using a large mortar and pestle.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice
• Salt
• Banana leaves (for wrapping)

Preparation

1. Soaking the Rice: The glutinous rice is soaked in water for several hours, usually overnight, to soften the grains. 2. Steaming: The soaked rice is then steamed until fully cooked. 3. Pounding: The cooked rice is pounded into a smooth, elastic dough. This step is crucial as it determines the texture of the final product. 4. Shaping: The dough is divided into small portions and shaped into flat, round cakes. 5. Wrapping: Each cake is wrapped in banana leaves to prevent sticking and to impart a subtle aroma.

Cultural Significance

Bánh gi_y holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. It is often served during T_t, the Vietnamese New Year, and other important festivals. The cake is also used in ancestral worship and is considered a symbol of respect and gratitude.

Consumption

Bánh gi_y is typically eaten plain or with a filling. Common fillings include mung bean paste or pork. It is often paired with giò l_a, a type of Vietnamese pork sausage, to balance the chewy texture of the cake with the savory flavor of the sausage.

Related pages

• Bánh ch_ng
• Vietnamese cuisine
• T_t
• Lang Liêu