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How to make pounded rice cakes?
Banh dap originates from central Vietnam. The main ingredient is rice flour mixed with a sufficient amount of water, then stirred well and covered with a thin cloth before being steamed over boiling water. Although banh dap may seem similar to the popular banh cuon in northern Vietnam, the difference is that banh dap is usually served with grilled rice paper and a special dipping sauce.
The process of making banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake) is quite simple. After spreading the wet batter, while the pancake is still hot, the maker quickly wraps it in a thin, crispy rice paper wrapper. The pancake can then be folded or left as is, creating a delicious treat.
Bánh đập typically consists of two parts: an outer layer of crispy grilled rice paper and an inner layer of soft steamed rice cake. The name "đập" (to pound/strike) is explained by the fact that the outer layer of grilled rice paper often warps, and the inner layer of steamed rice cake has difficulty reaching the gaps. Therefore, diners often use their hands to "pound" the two layers together again. This makes the cake easier to break apart and more delicious.
Banh dap, also known as banh trang dap or banh dap dap, is a dish deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Central Vietnam.
Although it's a simple dish, preparing bánh đập (a type of Vietnamese pancake) requires skill and artistry. To make a delicious bánh đập, the wet batter needs to be made from fragrant rice flour, gently stirred with water in the right ratio so that the pancake is neither too hard nor too soft when cooked. The pancake batter also needs to be carefully prepared to ensure the wet batter is soft and pliable.
Although it's a simple, rustic dish, bánh đập (a type of Vietnamese pancake) has a very elaborate and time-consuming preparation process.
After steaming, the wet rice sheet is placed on top of a hot grilled rice paper, along with some shrimp, scallion oil, and minced meat, then folded. When the rice paper cools, it becomes crispy and more appealing. Depending on the region, different fillings may be used, such as minced pork, stir-fried clams, or even eggs to create new and unique flavors.
HOW TO EAT CRACKED CAKE
Typically, banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake) is enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from fermented fish sauce. The fermented fish sauce is made from anchovies and shallots. Thinly sliced shallots are fried until golden brown and crispy, then placed in a bowl. When eating, diners add shallots to the fish sauce to dip the pancake in. For those who enjoy spicy food, a little chili can be added to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy these hot, crispy yet soft, slightly rich and delicious pastries.
Upon receiving the rice paper from the vendor, you can use your hands to press down on the center of the crispy rice paper until it breaks into pieces. Then, divide each piece and dip it into the dipping sauce. If you don't want to use your hands, you can use a spoon to scoop up the seasoned fish sauce and drizzle it over the rice paper before eating.
Banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake) is a symbol of creativity in ingredient selection and flavor combination.
For banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake), the dipping sauce plays a crucial role. To make a delicious dipping sauce, you need to pound the fish sauce with plenty of chili and garlic from Ly Son Island. The aroma of the grilled pancake, the chewiness of the steamed rice cake, the aftertaste of the chives, and the spicy and salty flavor of the fish sauce pounded with chili and garlic combine to create a captivating harmony, evoking a craving every time you think of it.
Almost all diners enjoying banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake) cannot help but take a deep breath, their mouths filled with the spicy flavor, yet they still can't resist grabbing a piece and putting it in their mouth. One hand holds a cup of tea to cool down, while the other continues with the pancake. This process lasts, not only for enjoyment but also for lively conversation, and they never remember how many pieces they've eaten because of the constant craving.
Enjoying banh dap (a type of Vietnamese pancake) inevitably brings back memories of the simple, rustic, yet rich and captivating land of Central Vietnam.
Each serving of cake is quite affordable, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND. While waiting to enjoy the hot and delicious cakes, customers can also enjoy the delicate cake-making process of the baker, a truly delightful experience.
If you have the opportunity to travel to the coastal provinces of Central Vietnam, in addition to visiting the beautiful scenery and enjoying the abundant seafood dishes, don't forget to seek out and try the simple yet unforgettable banh dap (rice cracker) of the local people.
