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Suman
Coconut sticky rice rolls
Suman sa gata: coconut sticky rice rolled in banana leaves and steamed
Every province has its own suman, but the everyday one sold in bundles at Antipolo's church steps and on Tagalog breakfast tables is suman sa gata: glutinous rice half-cooked in salted coconut milk, rolled tightly in banana leaf and steamed until dense and chewy. Unwrap one and dip it in sugar, or eat it with ripe mango and hot chocolate in the morning. They travel well and are handed out at fiestas by the dozen. Chef's tip: wilt the banana leaves over a flame or in hot water first; cold leaves crack as you roll and the rice leaks out while steaming.
- Total time
- 120 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 10
Ingredients
- 1 ⅛ lb glutinous ricesoaked in water for at least 1 hour
- 1 ¾ cups coconut milk
- 1 ¾ oz white sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 banana leavesabout 20 × 25 cm pieces, fresh or thawed, wiped clean
- 2 ⅛ oz white sugarto serve
- 2 ripe mango (optional)sliced, to serve
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Drain 1 ⅛ lb glutinous rice and put it in a wide pan with 1 ¾ cups coconut milk, 1 ¾ oz white sugar and 1 tsp salt.
2 minStep 2: Cook over a medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is sticky and glossy but still firm in the centre, about 15 minutes. Cool until you can handle it.
15 minStep 3: Pass 10 banana leaves briefly over a gas flame or dip in very hot water until they turn darker and pliable.
8 minStep 4: Spoon 3 heaped tablespoons of rice onto each leaf, shape it into a log about 12 cm long, roll the leaf tightly around it and fold both ends under. Tie pairs together with kitchen string, folded ends facing each other.
25 minStep 5: Steam over boiling water for 50–60 minutes, topping up the water as needed, until the rice is fully tender, sticky and translucent when you unwrap a test roll.
55 minStep 6: Serve warm or at room temperature, dipped in 2 ⅛ oz white sugar, with 2 ripe mango if you have it. They keep in the fridge for 3 days; re-steam to soften.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 290 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 52 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does suman take?
- About 120 minutes in total: 60 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 10 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 glutinous rice?
- Any long-grain rice, same amount.
- What can I use instead of coconut milk?
- Single cream, same amount (not dairy free).
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