Tro cake, also known as “Bánh Tro”, is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is often prepared and enjoyed during the Doan Ngo Festival. This festival, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is believed to help eliminate pests and diseases that harm crops. Making tro cake is an integral part of this festive tradition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make tro cake:
Ingredients:
- 300g glutinous rice flour
- 100g green bean paste
- 50g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Banana leaves (for wrapping)
- Cooking twine or toothpicks (for securing the cake)
Instructions:
- Soak the glutinous rice in water for about 4-5 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and let it dry for a few minutes.
- Grind the soaked rice using a mortar and pestle or a food processor until it becomes a fine, smooth powder. You can also purchase pre-made glutinous rice flour if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add water and knead the mixture until it forms a soft, pliable dough. The dough should be sticky but not overly wet. Adjust the amount of water or flour if needed.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls, approximately 3-4 centimeters in diameter.
- Take one dough ball and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of green bean paste in the center of the dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring it is completely sealed.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and green bean paste until all the ingredients are used.
- Cut the banana leaves into rectangular pieces, approximately 10×15 centimeters in size. Blanch the banana leaves quickly in boiling water to soften them.
- Place a wrapped dough ball on a banana leaf and fold the leaf to cover the cake completely. Use twine or toothpicks to secure the package.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, creating individual wrapped packages.
- Steam the wrapped tro cakes over high heat for about 15-20 minutes until the cakes are cooked through and become translucent.
- Once cooked, remove the tro cakes from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Unwrap the banana leaves and serve the tro cakes either warm or at room temperature.
“Bánh Tro” are delicious and can be enjoyed on their own or as a part of the Doan Ngo Festival celebration. They have a sticky and chewy texture with a sweet filling that complements the subtle flavors of the glutinous rice. Enjoy this traditional Vietnamese treat and celebrate the festival while embracing the cultural significance behind it.