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Pichi-pichi
Cassava gummies with coconut
Pichi-pichi: translucent steamed cassava gummies rolled in fresh coconut
Grated cassava, sugar and water steamed in little cups turn into pichi-pichi: soft, translucent, wobbly bites the colour of amber or tinted with ube or pandan, then rolled in grated coconut. They are a party staple across Quezon and Manila, and bakeshops also roll them in grated cheese, though the coconut version keeps them vegan. Served chilled or at room temperature with coffee. Chef's tip: squeeze the grated cassava only lightly; wringing out all the juice gives you dry, crumbly cakes instead of chewy, glossy ones.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 8
Ingredients
- 1 ⅛ lb grated cassavafresh or frozen and thawed
- 7 oz white sugar
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ tsp pandan or ube extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oilfor the moulds
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Press 1 ⅛ lb grated cassava gently in a sieve to remove only the free liquid; it should still be moist.
3 minStep 2: Stir 7 oz white sugar into 1 ¼ cups water until dissolved, then mix in the cassava and ½ tsp pandan or ube extract to a loose, runny batter.
5 minStep 3: Brush small cups or a silicone mould with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and fill each three-quarters full.
7 minStep 4: Steam over a medium-high heat, lid wrapped in a cloth, for 35–40 minutes, until the cakes are translucent all the way through with no white, starchy streaks.
40 minStep 5: Cool for 30 minutes, until firm enough to unmould. Pop them out and roll each in 5 ½ oz fresh or frozen grated coconut. Keep chilled and eat within 2 days.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 280 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 56 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does pichi-pichi take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 8 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of white sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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