Attractive Long Xuyen broken rice

No one knows where Long Xuyen broken rice originated and when it was created. It is only known that this dish has become familiar in the daily memories of many generations of people in the old Long Xuyen city (now Long Xuyen ward, Binh Duc ward, My Thoi ward and My Hoa Hung commune) as well as many diners from near and far. Long Xuyen broken rice is not owned by anyone but is the common name for broken rice sold at all restaurants in this area.

Ms. Truong Thi Hoang (62 years old), who has been selling broken rice for more than 40 years in Long Xuyen ward, said that it is necessary to prepare many steps and many raw materials. In which, choosing broken rice and cooking broken rice is the most important step. Broken rice is rice grains that are broken in half or in three during the process of harvesting, transporting, drying, drying ripe rice or when milling rice. Depending on the size, broken rice is classified into large broken rice and whole broken rice. At the same time, based on the characteristics: stickiness, porosity, softness, aroma... as well as the type of rice, broken rice also has different names. Roughly, there are: Tai Nguyen broken rice, Taiwan broken rice, 504 broken rice, ST25 fragrant broken rice... When cooked, broken rice only swells, does not expand like whole rice grains. Therefore, it cannot be cooked in the usual way but must be steamed, constantly adding enough water so that the broken rice is cooked evenly, not mushy. When cooked, the rice grains are loose, spongy, and give off a characteristic sweet aroma.

According to Ms. Hoang, meat is an indispensable part of Long Xuyen broken rice. Depending on the taste of the diner, the meat is grilled or braised. After being processed, the meat will be marinated with spices and grilled over hot coals or braised until soft. The aroma of the meat makes anyone who smells it unable to resist. Next is the duck egg, after being boiled, it will be braised thoroughly with the meat braising water to absorb the spices. The soft taste of the egg mixed with the broken rice creates a perfect combination, gentle yet attractive.

Diverse variations of Long Xuyen broken rice to suit diners. Photo: TRONG TIN

There is also pork skin made from boiled pork skin, shredded and mixed with fragrant roasted rice. Pickles are made from red radish, shredded white radish or thinly sliced cucumber soaked in vinegar and sugar, both crunchy and slightly sour. Pickles help balance the fat of meat, eggs, pork skin and scallion oil, helping diners feel less full when eating rice. You cannot miss the garlic and chili fish sauce mixed according to a special recipe, the fish sauce combines minced garlic and fresh chili, bringing a spicy, fragrant flavor, stimulating the taste buds and making you want to pour more to fully enjoy. A bowl of delicious fish sauce is the decisive factor that makes the difference of Long Xuyen broken rice.

According to many broken rice shop owners in Long Xuyen, depending on the preferences of the cook and the taste of the diner, the dish is constantly changed and uniquely transformed. Typically, some places add fried eggs, some places add Chinese sausage, braised pork skin, etc. However, it is still based on the core recipe of broken rice passed down from previous generations. "The most special thing about Long Xuyen broken rice is that all the ingredients: broken rice, braised pork, grilled pork, eggs, pickles, and pork skin are all cut into bite-sized pieces. This special feature makes it easy for people to recognize", shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, a broken rice seller in Long Xuyen ward.

As a resident of Can Tho City who came to Long Xuyen to live and work, Ms. Le Thi Anh Nguyen shared: “The first time I ate Long Xuyen broken rice, I was extremely impressed and delighted. A plate of rice with all the ingredients cut into thin strips, it looks strange but when eaten, it is very delicious. The broken rice is fluffy, sweet and fragrant from the meat, the fatty braised eggs, the chewy texture of the skin, the crunchy and sour taste of pickles mixed with the salty, sweet and spicy taste of fish sauce. All the flavors of the plate of rice seem to explode, spreading in the mouth”.

It is the unique combination of rustic ingredients that gives Long Xuyen broken rice its attractive flavor, making many diners near and far unable to resist, praising its deliciousness, contributing to diversifying the culinary map of An Giang homeland.

TRUST

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/hap-dan-com-tam-long-xuyen-a426787.html