Authentic Vietnamese Xoi Com (Green Sticky Rice) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of green sticky rice (also known as xoi com or glutinous rice)
  • 1/2 cup of regular white sticky rice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup of mung beans
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • Pandan leaves for fragrance (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the green sticky rice and the white sticky rice in separate bowls of water overnight.
  2. Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for about 4 hours.
  3. Drain the mung beans and steam them until they become soft. Allow them to cool, then mash them into a paste.
  4. Drain the green and white sticky rice, then mix them together.
  5. Using a steamer, steam the rice mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
  6. In a saucepan, mix together the water, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  7. Add the cooked rice to the saucepan and stir until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
  8. Stir in the coconut milk and continue to cook the rice until it becomes sticky.
  9. Remove the rice from the heat and let it cool.
  10. Mix the mashed mung beans with the rice.
  11. Toast the sesame seeds on a pan over low heat until they become golden brown.
  12. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the xoi com before serving. Enjoy your delicious Xoi Com!

Tools for making

  • Steaming pot - A pot with a steaming basket or rack to steam the rice.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized pot for cooking the sugar syrup.
  • Mixing spoon - A spoon for stirring the rice and sugar syrup.
  • Steamer - A kitchen appliance or basket used for steaming the rice.
  • Pan - A cooking pan for toasting the sesame seeds.
  • Colander - A straining tool for rinsing and draining the rice and mung beans.

Recipe variations

  • Adding a pandan leaf to the rice while steaming for a fragrant flavor.
  • Replacing the mung beans with red beans for a different taste and color.
  • Incorporating diced cooked meat (such as chicken or pork) into the rice for a savory version.
  • Adding coconut flakes to the rice for a more pronounced coconut flavor.
  • Garnishing the xoi com with chopped scallions or fried shallots for extra aroma and texture.
  • Using different colors of sticky rice to create a visually appealing dish (e.g., purple sticky rice, black sticky rice).
  • Drizzling a sweet syrup (such as palm sugar syrup or condensed milk) over the xoi com for added sweetness.
  • Pairing the xoi com with fresh fruits like mango, banana, or durian for a refreshing twist.
  • Adding roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy element.
  • Experimenting with different toppings, such as shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or dried fruit.

Recipe overview

Welcome to the delightful world of Vietnamese cuisine with our scrumptious Xoi Com recipe! Xoi Com, or green sticky rice, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is not only vibrant in color but also rich in flavor. This recipe guides you step-by-step through the process of making your very own Xoi Com at home.

Expect a sweet and sticky dish made from a blend of green and white sticky rice, infused with the creaminess of coconut milk and the subtle sweetness of sugar. The addition of mashed mung beans enhances the texture, while the sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a wonderful aroma and a slight crunch. Optional pandan leaves lend a unique, sweet fragrance making the dish even more special.

Though the preparation requires a bit of time, mainly for soaking the rice and beans, the actual cooking process is relatively straightforward and well worth the effort. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create this delightful treat that is sure to impress at any gathering.

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice?
    No, sticky rice is essential for the texture and consistency of xoi com.
  2. Can I use other types of beans instead of mung beans?
    Yes, you can substitute mung beans with other beans like black beans or red beans, but the taste and texture will be different.
  3. Do I have to soak the rice overnight?
    Yes, soaking the rice overnight helps to soften it and ensure even cooking.
  4. Can I skip the step of steaming the rice?
    No, steaming the rice is crucial for achieving the desired sticky texture.
  5. Can I omit the pandan leaves?
    Yes, pandan leaves add fragrance but are not necessary for the basic xoi com recipe.
  6. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
    Yes, you can use brown sugar, but it will alter the color and flavor of the xoi com.
  7. Can I store leftover xoi com?
    Yes, you can store leftover xoi com in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Xoi Com is a delightful Vietnamese dish that symbolizes the essence of the harvest season. It is traditionally made during the autumn months when young, green rice grains, known as "com", are freshly harvested in the villages of Hanoi. The outer husk is removed to expose the tender, lime-green grain, which is then pounded and flattened. This green sticky rice is then steamed and used to make Xoi Com. Interestingly, this dish isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's a feast for the eyes as well! The vibrant green color of Xoi Com, mirroring the lush Vietnamese countryside, is a beautiful reminder of the bounty of Mother Earth. So, when you enjoy this hearty dish, remember that it's not just a meal, but a reflection of nature's generosity and the labor of love that goes into the harvest.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.