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Sticky Rice in Banana Leaves (Suman Malagkit)

Sweet sticky rice dessert! A favorite of mine.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 squares banana leaves 10x10 inches
  • can (4.5oz) of coconut milk
  • ½ cup (106g) brown sugar
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup glutinous rice soaked overnight
  • coconut sugar or alternative sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, pour glutinous rice and enough water to cover. Soak overnight.
  • Prepare your banana leaves by rinsing off any excess dirt or residue. Then trim to 10 x 10 inch squares. Then pass the leaves through an open flame enough to soften but be careful not to burn.
  • Strain the soaked glutinous rice and pour the rice in a pot. Add the coconut milk, brown sugar and salt. Stir until brown sugar and salt are dissolved.
  • Cover and simmer until the rice is done cooking stirring occasionally. You’ll know it is done when the liquid is fully absorbed. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
  • When finished cooking, remove from heat and let cool slightly. You don’t want to wrap the rice when it is extremely hot. Using a spoon, place some rice on a square banana leaf and shape into logs. Make sure to leave about 1 inch on the sides. Tightly roll the rice up in the leaf and fold the ends to seal.
  • If boiling: arrange the suman in a large pot with the folded side down. Fill with water and weigh down with a heavy object to prevent the suman from floating. You can use another sheet of banana leaf and a plate. Cover with a lid and boil until rice is fully cooked, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  • If steaming: In a large pot, pour in water that sits below the level of your steamer. Place the suman on your steamer with the fold side down. Steam until rice is fully cooked, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Remove your suman from the heat. Let it cool slightly and carefully peel open. Top with coconut sugar or any other topping you want! Enjoy!