Welcome to the exquisite world of Cambodian cuisine, where vibrant flavors and aromatic spices come together to create culinary masterpieces. Among the array of traditional dishes, Num Kachay stands out as a beloved delicacy cherished for its simplicity and delightful taste.

Num Kachay, also known as Cambodian steamed chive cakes, is a delightful snack that captures the essence of Cambodian street food culture. Made from a harmonious blend of fresh chives, rice flour, and coconut milk, these savory cakes are steamed to perfection, resulting in a soft, moist texture with a burst of flavors in every bite.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of creating authentic Num Kachay in your own kitchen, allowing you to savor the authentic tastes of Cambodia right at home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to awaken your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. So, let's embark on a culinary adventure and discover the enchanting flavors of Cambodia through the delightful Num Kachay!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 200g minced pork
• 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined, finely chopped
• 1 cup finely chopped chives
• 1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the wrappers:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the dipping sauce:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the filling: minced pork, chopped shrimp, chives, cabbage, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

2- In another bowl, prepare the wrapper mixture by combining rice flour, water, coconut milk, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.

3- Heat a steamer over medium heat and lightly grease the steamer tray to prevent sticking.

4- To assemble the dumplings, pour a small amount of the wrapper mixture onto the greased steamer tray, spreading it out thinly to form a circle, about 3 inches in diameter.

5- Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each wrapper.

6- Fold the edges of the wrapper over the filling to enclose it, forming a dumpling shape. Repeat this process until all the filling and wrapper mixture are used up.

7- Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving some space between each dumpling to allow for expansion during steaming.

8- Steam the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes, or until the wrappers are cooked through and the filling is tender and cooked.

9- While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, fish sauce, minced garlic, and sliced red chili (if using). Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

10- Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the steamer and serve hot with the sweet and sour dipping sauce on the side.

11- Enjoy your authentic Cambodian Num Kachay dumplings as a delightful snack or appetizer, and savor the rich flavors of Cambodian cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cambodian Num Kachay recipe:

Minced Pork (200g):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Shrimp (100g):

• Calories: 99 kcal
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 1.7g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: High in protein and low in fat, contains omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.

Chives (1 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 1.4g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.4g
• Fiber: 2.6g

benefits: Rich in vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants, supports bone and eye health.

Cabbage (1/2 cup, shredded):

• Calories: 11 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 2.5g
• Fiber: 1.1g

benefits: High in fiber and vitamins C and K, promotes digestion and immune function.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits: Contains allicin, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides essential amino acids and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4.2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides quick energy, but should be consumed in moderation.

Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.8g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits: Contains piperine, which may improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Rice Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 578 kcal
• Protein: 8.2g
• Fat: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates: 128g
• Fiber: 2.1g

benefits: Gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance.

Water (1 cup):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Essential for hydration and various bodily functions.

Coconut Milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 212 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), may promote satiety and support weight management.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Necessary for electrolyte balance and nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Low in calories and adds tangy flavor, may help improve digestion.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7.8g
• Fiber: 0g

Water (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0g

Garlic (1 clove):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

Red Chili (1 small, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.4g

benefits:Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and cooking methods.