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
