Yunnan Ham and Bean Braised Rice

Yunnan Ham and Bean Braised Rice

　　Bean-braised rice is a traditional seasonal dish in Yunnan folk cuisine. During spring and summer, many households enjoy this dish several times. At that time, farmers pick bright green fava beans, stir-fry them with cured ham, and then cook them together with rice. Because it’s easy to make, includes both rice and vegetables, and balances meat and vegetable flavors, chefs have refined the recipe, bringing it to markets and even onto banquet tables. The banquet version uses the famous Xuanwei ham along with bright green garden peas. The finished dish presents a beautiful contrast of red, green, and white, and offers a harmonious blend of savory, salty, sweet, and sticky flavors. (Kunming)