Cốm - Vietnamese Green Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) young rice grains 2 cups (400g) young rice grains
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0.1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the young rice grains thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. 2.
   Place the rinsed rice grains in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Let them soak for 2 hours.
3. 3.
   Drain the rice grains and spread them evenly on a clean cloth or bamboo mat. Allow them to air dry for about 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Spread the dried rice grains on a baking sheet and roast them for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a light green color.
5. 5.
   Remove the roasted rice grains from the oven and let them cool completely.
6. 6.
   Transfer the cooled rice grains to a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Pound or pulse them until they become slightly sticky and resemble the texture of cooked rice.
7. 7.
   Add salt to the pounded rice and mix well to distribute the flavor evenly.
8. 8.
   Serve the Cốm as is or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and aroma.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Young rice grains — Ensure that you use young rice grains specifically meant for making Cốm. These grains are harvested before maturity and have a distinct flavor and texture. Regular rice grains will not yield the same results.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a few drops of pandan extract to the pounded rice.
• For a sweeter version, you can mix in a small amount of sugar or honey.
• Store the Cốm in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

Serving advice

Cốm can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or dessert. It is often served during the Mid-Autumn Festival alongside mooncakes and other traditional Vietnamese sweets. Pair it with a cup of hot green tea for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Cốm in a shallow dish or on a banana leaf to showcase its vibrant green color. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an added visual appeal. You can also shape the Cốm into small balls or molds for a more decorative presentation.