Putian-style Abará

Ingredients

While the original Brazilian Abará is made with black-eyed peas, our Putian-style Abará replaces them with mung beans, a staple ingredient in Putian cuisine. Additionally, we incorporate minced pork and shrimp into the filling, enhancing the umami flavors. The use of banana leaves for wrapping is a common practice in Putian cuisine, adding a distinct aroma and visual appeal. We alse have the original recipe for Abará, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) mung beans, soaked overnight 1 cup (200g) mung beans, soaked overnight
• 200g minced pork 200g minced pork
• 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10-12 banana leaves, cut into squares 10-12 banana leaves, cut into squares

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain the soaked mung beans and transfer them to a food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, shrimp, cilantro, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Take a square piece of banana leaf and place a spoonful of the mung bean paste in the center. Flatten it slightly.
4. 4.
   Add a spoonful of the pork and shrimp mixture on top of the mung bean paste.
5. 5.
   Fold the banana leaf to enclose the filling, creating a rectangular parcel. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. 7.
   Steam the parcels in a steamer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the toothpicks and serve the Putian-style Abará while still warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mung beans — Ensure that the soaked mung beans are well-drained before blending them into a paste. This will help achieve the desired texture for the dumplings.
• Banana leaves — Before using the banana leaves, briefly blanch them in boiling water to soften and remove any impurities. Cut them into squares of suitable size for wrapping the dumplings.

Tips & Tricks

• If banana leaves are not available, you can use parchment paper as a substitute for wrapping the dumplings.
• For a spicier version, add a small amount of finely chopped chili peppers to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Putian-style Abará with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Putian-style Abará as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed Putian-style Abará on a platter, showcasing the vibrant green color of the banana leaves. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and scallions for an added touch of freshness.