Chinese New Year is such a vibrant celebration, especially here in the Philippines! It’s a time filled with family, joy, and of course, delicious food. Growing up, I remember the excitement of gathering around the table filled with traditional dishes, each symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. One of my favorites is the sweet and sticky rice cake, made with glutinous rice and coconut milk. It’s not just a treat; it carries the spirit of the celebration! Today, I’m excited to share my beloved recipe for this delightful dessert that will surely make your Chinese New Year extra special.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups glutinous rice, soaked overnight for that perfect sticky texture
- 1 cup coconut milk, the creamy goodness that makes this dish shine
- 1 cup sugar, adjust to your taste for that sweet indulgence
- 1 teaspoon salt, just enough to balance the sweetness
- 1/2 cup mung beans, cooked and ready to add a lovely texture
- 1/2 cup grated coconut, fresh is best for that extra flavor boost
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, wash the glutinous rice thoroughly, then soak it overnight in water. This step is crucial for getting that perfect sticky texture!
- The next day, drain the soaked rice and steam it for about 30 minutes until it’s cooked through and tender. Trust me, the aroma will fill your kitchen!
- While the rice is steaming, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a pot. Heat it gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. You want a smooth, sweet mixture.
- Once the rice is ready, mix it with the coconut mixture in a large bowl, then fold in the cooked mung beans. The colors and textures are just beautiful!
- Transfer everything into a greased dish and flatten the mixture for even cooking. Top it with grated coconut for that extra flair.
- Steam the whole thing for another 15 minutes. Let it cool, slice, and serve. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a traditional Filipino-Chinese dessert that embodies the spirit of Chinese New Year.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfectly sweet and sticky, with a delightful texture that’s hard to resist.
- Great for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
- Customizable with various toppings to suit your taste and creativity.
Tips for Success
To really nail this sweet rice cake, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure to soak the glutinous rice long enough—overnight is best, as it helps achieve that stickiness. If you can, use fresh coconut for grating; it elevates the flavor and texture. When mixing the rice with the coconut mixture, do it gently to keep that lovely sticky texture intact. And don’t forget to check the steaming time! If you’re unsure, a toothpick can help; it should come out clean when the cake is done. Oops, and keep an eye on the sweetness—feel free to tweak the sugar to your liking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun ways to mix up this classic dessert! Try adding a swirl of ube (purple yam) for a pop of color and flavor that’s sure to impress. You could also top your rice cake with fresh fruits like mango or jackfruit for a refreshing twist. For those who love a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. And if you want to introduce a hint of spice, a dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavors beautifully. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your sweet rice cake, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can steam it lightly for about 10 minutes to warm it through and restore that delightful sticky texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds; just be careful not to overheat, or it might dry out. Enjoy your delicious treat again!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice of this delightful sweet rice cake:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
These values will help you keep track of your indulgence during the festive season! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
What is the significance of this dessert during Chinese New Year in the Philippines?
This sweet rice cake symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, making it a must-have during celebrations! It’s often shared among family and friends to bring everyone together.
Can I use other types of rice instead of glutinous rice?
For this recipe, glutinous rice is essential to achieve that sticky, chewy texture that defines the dish. Using regular rice won’t give you the same delicious results!
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This sweet rice cake is made with plant-based ingredients, so it’s perfect for vegetarians and even vegans.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Since glutinous rice is naturally gluten-free, this recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check other ingredients for gluten content!
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can make this sweet rice cake a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge and steam it again before serving to refresh its texture.
Chinese New Year Food Philippines: 5 Must-Try Delights
- Gesamtzeit: 12 hours 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Traditional dishes served during Chinese New Year in the Philippines.
Zutaten
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mung beans, cooked
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
Anweisungen
- Wash and soak glutinous rice overnight.
- Drain and steam the rice for 30 minutes.
- In a pot, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Mix cooked rice with the coconut mixture.
- Add mung beans and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased dish and flatten.
- Top with grated coconut.
- Steam for another 15 minutes.
- Cool, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh coconut for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- Can add other toppings like fruits.
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Steaming
- Küche: Filipino-Chinese
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year food Philippines
