Bekang

Bekang

Bekang

Veg Vegan

Mizo fermented soybean paste — whole soybeans fermented for several days until they develop a strong, pungent aroma and sticky coating. Used to season bai, added to pork preparations for depth, and eaten as a pungent condiment alongside rice. Bekang is the Mizo equivalent of Japanese natto and the essential umami agent of Mizo cooking.

Cuisines

Mizo Naga

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Total: 40 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup sticky rice
1 cup water
1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. 1 Rinse the sticky rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2 Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. 3 Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a pot.
  4. 4 Add 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt to the pot with the rice.
  5. 5 Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  6. 6 Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
  7. 7 Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes to steam.
  8. 8 Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Tips

For a more authentic flavor, cook the rice in a bamboo steamer if available.