Traditional Vietnamese Xoi La Cam Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of glutinous rice
  • 1 magenta plant (La Cam)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Fried onions for topping (optional)
  • Fried sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for it to soften.
  2. Meanwhile, chop the magenta plant into small pieces and blend it with a cup of water. Pass the mixture through a sieve and collect the water. This will give a purple color to the rice.
  3. Drain the soaked rice and mix it with the collected magenta water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the rice to absorb the color.
  4. Steam the colored rice for about 20 minutes or until it's cooked completely. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sugar syrup. Dissolve the sugar in a cup of water and let it boil until it thickens.
  6. Also, heat the coconut milk with salt and keep it warm.
  7. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sugar syrup, warm coconut milk, and vegetable oil over it. Mix well to ensure every grain of rice is well coated.
  8. Let the rice sit for a while to absorb all the flavors.
  9. Serve the Xoi La Cam warm, topped with fried onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tools for making

  • Steaming basket - This will be used to steam the glutinous rice.
  • Sieve - You will need a sieve to collect the magenta water after blending the magenta plant.
  • Large bowl - A large bowl will be used to mix the cooked rice with the sugar syrup, coconut milk, and vegetable oil.
  • Saucepan - This will be used to prepare the sugar syrup.
  • Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon will be needed to mix the rice and ensure even cooking.
  • Steamer or pot with lid - This will be used to steam the rice.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using magenta plant (La Cam), you can use pandan leaves to give the rice a vibrant green color.
  • Add pandan extract or pandan paste to enhance the flavor and aroma of the rice.
  • Sprinkle roasted peanuts or cashews on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
  • Include diced mung beans or red beans in the rice for added texture and flavor.
  • For a savory twist, you can mix in cooked shredded chicken or pork into the rice.
  • Replace coconut milk with condensed milk for a sweeter and creamier taste.
  • Try using different types of glutinous rice, such as black glutinous rice or mixed grains.
  • Experiment with different toppings like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or fresh fruit slices.

Recipe overview

Xoi La Cam is a traditional Vietnamese dish, known for its unique violet color that is naturally derived from the magenta plant. It's a type of sweet sticky rice that's rich in flavor and perfect for a special snack or dessert. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps of preparing Xoi La Cam from scratch. You'll learn how to extract the natural color from the magenta plant, how to perfectly cook glutinous rice, and how to season it with sugar, coconut milk, and a touch of salt. The result is a beautifully colored, sweet, and sticky rice dish that's a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Top it with some fried onions and sesame seeds for an added texture and flavor. Enjoy the cooking process and the satisfied smiles when you serve this unique dish!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
    No, glutinous rice is essential for this recipe as it provides the desired sticky texture.
  2. Where can I find magenta plant (La Cam)?
    Magenta plant, also known as La Cam, can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty herb shops.
  3. Can I use artificial food coloring instead of magenta plant?
    While it is possible, using magenta plant provides a natural and authentic color to the dish.
  4. Can I substitute the coconut milk with regular milk?
    Coconut milk is traditionally used in this recipe for its rich flavor, but you can substitute it with regular milk if desired.
  5. Can I skip the toppings?
    Toppings such as fried onions and sesame seeds are optional, but they add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
  6. How long can I store Xoi La Cam?
    Xoi La Cam is best served fresh. It is recommended to consume it within a day or two.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - A steamer is required to cook the glutinous rice.
  • Sieve - A sieve is needed to strain the magenta plant mixture and collect the colored water.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is necessary to mix the cooked rice with the sugar syrup, coconut milk, and vegetable oil.
  • Saucepan - A saucepan is used to prepare the sugar syrup.
  • Serving Bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the Xoi La Cam.
  • Frying Pan - A frying pan is optional but can be used to fry onions and sesame seeds for topping.

Origin stories

Xoi La Cam, or magenta sticky rice, is a vibrant and delicious dish originating from Vietnam. The dish's signature purple hue comes from the juice of the Magenta plant, known as La Cam in Vietnamese. It's a natural coloring and flavoring agent that's been used in Vietnamese cooking for generations. The unique plant is believed to possess medicinal properties, and its incorporation into the sticky rice is a testament to the traditional Vietnamese philosophy of food as medicine. Apart from its cultural significance, this dish is also enjoyed for its sweet, sticky texture, often enhanced by toppings like coconut milk, fried onions or sesame seeds. Its attractive color makes it a popular choice for festive occasions and celebrations. Indeed, a bowl of Xoi La Cam not only offers a delightful culinary experience but also a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.