Lotus leaf rice, also known as ‘Nor Mai Fan’ in Cantonese, is a traditional Chinese dish that is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The aroma of the lotus leaf infuses into the rice, giving it a unique fragrance that is hard to resist. It is a dish often served during special occasions or family gatherings, making it a favorite among many Chinese households.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of glutinous rice
- 4 dried lotus leaves
- 200g of chicken thighs, diced
- 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 4 Chinese sausages, sliced
- 4 slices of ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wash the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 2 hours.
- Soak the dried lotus leaves in warm water until they are pliable, then cut them into halves.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Add the sliced Chinese sausages and shiitake mushrooms, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Drain the glutinous rice and add it to the wok, stirring well to combine with the other ingredients.
- Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously.
- Place a lotus leaf half in a deep dish or bamboo steamer, and spoon in the rice mixture.
- Wrap the lotus leaf around the rice, forming a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining leaves and rice.
- Steam the lotus leaf rice parcels over high heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Serve the lotus leaf rice hot, unwrapping the parcels just before eating to enjoy the aroma.
Homemade lotus leaf rice is a dish that will delight your senses with its delicious taste and fragrant aroma. It is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a special meal with loved ones. Try making this traditional Chinese dish at home and experience the flavors of Asia in every bite!