If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly heartfelt taste of the Philippines, then this Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe is your golden ticket. These soft, chewy, and subtly sweet rice cakes wrapped gracefully in banana leaves are an absolute delight that bring comfort and tradition to every bite. With a rich coconut aroma and the gentle sweetness from sugar enveloping sticky rice, this classic treat is so simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, making suman malagkit at home is both an enjoyable process and a wonderful way to share a piece of Filipino culture with your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients list is beautifully short but essential. Each element plays a crucial role—from the luscious coconut milk that imparts creaminess, to the sticky rice providing that iconic chewy texture, and of course, a touch of sugar and salt balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Sticky rice: This glutinous rice is the heart of suman, giving it that beloved chewy consistency.
- Coconut milk: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor that elevates the rice cakes.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dish just enough to make each bite delightful without overpowering.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and richness.
- Banana leaves: Used to wrap the suman, infusing an earthy aroma and keeping the cake moist while steaming.
How to Make Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Sticky Rice
Begin by washing the sticky rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, then soak it in water overnight. This soaking softens the rice, ensuring it cooks evenly and results in that signature sticky and tender texture essential to suman malagkit.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice in Coconut Milk
Heat your coconut milk gently with sugar and a pinch of salt until it boils. Then add the drained sticky rice and cook the mixture slowly, stirring occasionally. This step lets the rice absorb the creamy coconut sweetness, creating a harmonious base flavor foundation.
Step 3: Preparing the Banana Leaves
Cut banana leaves into manageable pieces and pass them over a low flame briefly. This softens the leaves, making them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing, while also intensifying their natural aroma.
Step 4: Rolling the Suman
Spread the cooked sticky rice evenly over the softened banana leaves in a long strip. Then roll them tightly like a bundle. For a traditional touch, place two rolls side-by-side and secure them by tying a strip of banana leaf around them.
Step 5: Steaming to Perfection
Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer, and steam for 40 minutes to an hour. This cooking technique gently sets the rice cakes, keeping them moist and wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Serving Warm with a Sweet Twist
Once steamed, remove the suman carefully and serve warm. A drizzle of caramel sauce or latik (toasted coconut curds) makes an irresistible finishing touch, enhancing the natural coconut and sugar notes beautifully.
How to Serve Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing suman malagkit doesn’t have to be complicated. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of latik adds texture and an extra layer of coconut flavor that complements the rice cakes perfectly. You might also consider a side of ripe mango slices for a fresh, fruity contrast.
Side Dishes
These rice cakes pair wonderfully with local Filipino favorites such as hot chocolate made from tablea (chocolate tablets) or a cup of strong brewed coffee. For a more substantial meal, consider serving suman alongside savory dishes like salted egg or fried fish to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve suman malagkit on a traditional woven banana leaf platter for an authentic touch. You can also slice the rolls into smaller bite-size pieces or arrange them artfully on a colorful tray with fresh edible flowers to brighten up your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Suman malagkit can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them wrapped in the banana leaves if possible, as this helps retain moisture and flavor, preventing the rice cakes from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Filipino treat long after making it, suman freezes well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When frozen, they can last up to a month without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated suman back to life, steam them again for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method revives the softness and restores that freshly made quality better than microwaving, which can dry out the rice cakes.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice for this recipe?
Regular rice won’t give you the characteristic chewy texture that sticky rice provides. For authentic suman malagkit, it’s best to stick with glutinous or sticky rice.
Are banana leaves essential for making suman?
While banana leaves add a traditional aroma and keep suman moist, if you can’t find them, you could use foil as a substitute. However, you’ll miss out on that subtle earthy flavor banana leaves provide.
Can I make suman malagkit without soaking the rice overnight?
Soaking the sticky rice overnight is recommended for even cooking and the proper chewiness. Skipping this step might result in unevenly cooked rice cakes that are less tender.
What is the best way to sweeten suman if I want a healthier option?
You can experiment with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind they will slightly alter the flavor profile of the traditional suman malagkit.
How do I know when the suman is done steaming?
After steaming for about 40 minutes to an hour, the suman should feel firm yet tender to the touch. The rice will be fully cooked and sticky, and the aroma of coconut will be more pronounced.
Final Thoughts
This Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe is a beautiful, heartfelt dive into Filipino culinary tradition that anyone can enjoy making. The simple ingredients, combined with the time-honored technique of soaking and steaming, yield a dessert that’s comforting, nostalgic, and downright delicious. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding suman malagkit to your list of all-time favorite treats to share with loved ones.
Print
Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
- Total Time: 11 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Suman Malagkit is a traditional Filipino steamed rice cake made from sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, sweetened with sugar, and wrapped in banana leaves. This delicacy is soft, subtly sweet, and perfect for enjoying as a snack or dessert alongside caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Rice Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup Sticky rice
- 250 ml Coconut milk
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
For Wrapping
- Banana leaves (cut into small pieces)
To Serve
- Caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the rice: Wash the sticky rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and impurities. Soak the rice in water overnight (about 8-12 hours) to ensure it softens properly for cooking.
- Cook rice in coconut milk: Drain the soaked rice well. In a pan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the drained sticky rice. Cook the rice, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Prepare banana leaves: Cut banana leaves into manageable rectangular pieces. Pass the leaves over a low direct flame briefly to soften and make them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the suman: Spread a portion of the cooked sticky rice evenly on each piece of banana leaf. Roll the leaf and rice into long strips tightly. Create two rolls at a time.
- Tie the rolls: Place two rolls together and tie them securely with a strip of softened banana leaf to hold the shape during steaming.
- Steam the suman: Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 40 minutes to 1 hour until fully cooked and set.
- Serve: Carefully remove the suman from the steamer. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by caramel sauce for dipping, enhancing the sweet flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight ensures a soft and sticky texture.
- Passing the banana leaves over flame makes them flexible and prevents tearing during wrapping.
- Steaming time may vary depending on your steamer, but 40 minutes to 1 hour is usually sufficient.
- Caramel sauce is a traditional accompaniment but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- Store leftover suman in the refrigerator and reheat by steaming before serving to maintain texture and moisture.
- Prep Time: 11 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Filipino
