Ham and Bean Casserole Rice

Ham and Bean Casserole Rice

　　Ham and Bean Casserole Rice is a famous and distinctive snack from Kunming, Yunnan. Its preparation involves many details. First, in terms of ingredients, it uses glutinous rice from Xishuangbanna, Zhe’da rice from Ruili, cured ham from Xuanwei County, tender peas from Yiliang, refined salt from Mohan County, monosodium glutamate from Japan, and premium broth made by simmering chicken, duck, and pork. Secondly, during the cooking process, the tender peas are shelled, peeled, washed clean, and the cured ham is skinned and diced into small cubes the size of soybeans. The glutinous rice and regular rice are rinsed, soaked for two hours, then cooked. A wok is heated with lard until it reaches about 70–80% heat, then crushed fava beans and diced ham are added and stir-fried until fragrant. Salt, MSG, and the premium broth are added, followed by the cooked rice, which is evenly spread over the fava bean mixture. The mixture is then simmered over low heat until the liquid is absorbed. The contents are then tossed in the wok to evenly blend the rice and fava beans before serving. This casserole rice is highly nutritious and enjoyable time after time, making it a beloved delicacy that has stood the test of time. It is especially cherished by the people of Kunming and enjoys fame throughout the province and beyond.