Coconut Sticky Rice in Bananna Leaves

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a huge fan of Asian foods including Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, etc. Recently, my friend Maggie took me – and a bunch of friends – to a great Malaysian restaurant in the Bay Area (Milpitas) called Layang Layang and it was out of this world! Back to the story behind this recipe…My son Jaye gave me a little Filipino treat that one of his friends made and I loved it. It was sweet, sticky rice wrapped in a little bananna leaf package. I loved it and told him that I was going to make it (even though I’d never made it before). So I did a quick Google search and found a couple recipes, but decided I’d just try it the way I imagined it would be made. I learned there are many different names and ways to make this: there’s a Thai version called Khao Dome and the Filipino version, I believe, is called Pulut Inti. As you can see, I’m no expert, but I wanted to share my version since it was yummy and easy.

2 cups Mochi rice or glutenous rice (Japanese rice that is extra sticky)
1 can coconut milk
2 cups of water
about 5 tbsls brown sugar
1 package frozen bananna leaves – you can find them at most Asian grocery stores

Directions:

• Prepare rice according to package directions, except replace a portion of the water that it calls for with one can of coconut milk.
• Once cooked add the brown sugar, stir and set aside for about 20 minutes.
• Unfold a large bannana leaf and wipe off both sides.
• Cut pieces large enough to make packets that will be about 2 inches long and an inch-and-a-half wide.
• Place a spoonful of rice in the center of each piece and wrap like a little burrito (see the photo).
• Steam for about 45 minutes. You can use a pot with a wire rack that sits at the bottom, or you can use a steamer.

These are great as a snack and are very portable to bring to parties. Of course you can alter the recipe to be sweeter (or not). You can also use fresh coconut milk if you like. The great thing about this appetizer is that they are so versatile. I’m going to try a different version soon and I’ll let you know what I discover.

Anyway – I hope you have fun with this one like I did!