Chadian-style Steamed Rice Cakes

Ingredients

In this Chadian adaptation, we replace the traditional Vietnamese ingredients such as shrimp and fish sauce with Chadian flavors. The filling is made with ground meat, onions, and a blend of Chadian spices, giving it a unique taste. Additionally, the banana leaves used to wrap the rice cakes add a distinct aroma to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh nậm, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) rice flour 2 cups (400g) rice flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, lamb, or goat) 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, lamb, or goat)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Banana leaves, for wrapping Banana leaves, for wrapping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, mix the rice flour and water until a smooth batter forms. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Take a piece of banana leaf and cut it into a square or rectangle shape. Place a spoonful of the rice flour batter onto the center of the leaf.
4. 4.
   Add a spoonful of the meat mixture on top of the batter.
5. 5.
   Fold the banana leaf to enclose the filling, creating a small packet. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling.
7. 7.
   Steam the rice cakes in a steamer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice cakes are cooked through and firm.
8. 8.
   Remove the toothpicks and serve the Chadian-style Steamed Rice Cakes warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Banana leaves — Before using, rinse the banana leaves with warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the tough edges of the leaves before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the Chadian-style Steamed Rice Cakes with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• Make sure the rice flour batter is smooth and free of lumps for the best texture.
• Steam the rice cakes gently to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their shape.

Serving advice

Serve the Chadian-style Steamed Rice Cakes as a snack or light meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of spicy dipping sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chadian-style Steamed Rice Cakes on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. The vibrant green of the herbs will add a pop of color to the dish.