Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this aromatic and flavorful Banana Leaf Wrapped Rice recipe! Steamed to perfection, jasmine rice is infused with the rich creaminess of coconut milk and fragrant notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger. Each portion is lovingly wrapped in soft, pliable banana leaves, which impart a subtle earthy aroma as they steam. This dish not only delights with its irresistible flavor but also its captivating presentation, allowing diners to unwrap their own parcels of fragrant rice at the table. Perfect as a main course or a unique side dish, Banana Leaf Wrapped Rice is an elegant, yet easy way to bring vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine to your home kitchen. A must-try for lovers of coconut rice and exotic cooking techniques!
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, salt, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger. Heat gently over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring briefly. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Remove the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger slices.
While the rice cooks, prepare the banana leaves by passing them over an open flame or in hot water for a few seconds until they become pliable.
Cut the banana leaves into large squares if necessary, ensuring they are big enough to enclose a portion of rice.
Spoon a portion of the cooked rice onto the center of each banana leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice to form a parcel and secure with string if needed.
Place a steaming rack or bamboo steamer over a pot of simmering water. Arrange the banana leaf parcels in the steamer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cover the steamer and steam the parcels for 15-20 minutes over medium heat to allow the rice to absorb the banana leaf flavor.
Carefully remove the parcels from the steamer. Serve warm as a main dish or accompaniment, letting diners unwrap their parcels at the table for an aromatic surprise.
Calories |
793 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.3 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2431 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.5 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.4 g | ||
| Protein | 13.9 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 132 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1023 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.