Lo Mai Gai*

 Lo Mai Gai, also known as Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, is a classic Dim Sum dish made from glutinous (sticky) rice, chicken, Chinese sausage, and various other ingredients, all wrapped in a fragrant lotus leaf. Here's a recipe to make Lo Mai Gai at home:

**Ingredients**:

**For the Sticky Rice**:

- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice

- 2 cups water

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

**For the Filling**:

- 1/2 pound (about 225g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

- 2 Chinese sausages (Lap Cheong), sliced

- 1/2 cup dried shrimp, soaked in warm water and chopped

- 1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water, chopped

- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped

- 1/4 cup green peas (optional)

- 1/4 cup diced onions

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

**For the Lotus Leaves**:

- Dried lotus leaves, soaked in hot water until pliable, and then wiped dry

**Instructions**:

**For the Sticky Rice**:

**1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear.**

**2. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, vegetable oil, and salt.**

**3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.**

**For the Filling**:

**1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.**

**2. Add the minced garlic and diced onions, and stir-fry until fragrant and the onions are translucent.**

**3. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they turn white.**

**4. Add the Chinese sausages, dried shrimp, dried shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Continue to stir-fry for a few minutes.**

**5. Add the green peas (if using), oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and the filling is cooked.**

**Assembling the Lo Mai Gai**:

**1. Lay out a lotus leaf, dull side up, on a clean surface.**

**2. Place a small amount of the cooked sticky rice on the lotus leaf. Press it down and shape it into a thin, flat layer, leaving some space around the edges.**

**3. Add a spoonful of the prepared filling on top of the rice layer.**

**4. Fold the sides of the lotus leaf over the rice and filling, then fold up the bottom and secure with kitchen twine or a strip of softened lotus leaf (if available).**

**Steaming the Lo Mai Gai**:

**1. Place the wrapped Lo Mai Gai in a steamer basket.**

**2. Steam over boiling water for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the flavors meld together.**

**3. Carefully remove the Lo Mai Gai from the steamer and serve them hot.**

Lo Mai Gai is a flavorful and filling Dim Sum dish that combines the textures and flavors of sticky rice, chicken, sausage, and other ingredients. Enjoy it as a savory treat at home.