Filipino Rice Dessert Wrapped In Banana Leaves
One of the most beloved desserts in the Philippines is the kakanin, or rice cake. There are many different types of kakanin, but one of the most popular is the suman, a sweet treat made of glutinous rice that's cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. The result is a deliciously sweet and chewy dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
What Is Suman?
Suman is a traditional Filipino rice cake made of glutinous rice that's cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with sugar. It's then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until it's fully cooked. The result is a sweet and chewy dessert that's perfect for snacking on throughout the day.
Suman is often served as a snack or dessert, and it's enjoyed by people of all ages. It's also a popular food item during celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and fiestas.
How Is Suman Made?
The process of making suman is relatively simple, but it does take some time and effort. Here's how it's made:
- Combine glutinous rice and coconut milk in a large pot and let it soak for 2-3 hours.
- Add sugar to the pot and cook the mixture over low heat until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.
- Take a small amount of the rice mixture and place it in the center of a banana leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice mixture and tie it with a string to hold it in place.
- Repeat this process with the remaining rice mixture and banana leaves.
- Place the wrapped rice cakes in a steamer and steam for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove the suman from the steamer and let it cool before serving.
Types of Suman
While the basic recipe for suman is the same, there are many different variations of the dish depending on where you are in the Philippines. Some of the most popular types of suman include:
- Budbod - a type of suman that's mixed with toasted coconut and served with chocolate or ripe mangoes
- Barako coffee suman - a twist on the traditional suman, made with barako coffee
- Latik suman - a type of suman that's topped with latik, a sweet coconut jam
- Tablea suman - suman flavored with tablea, a type of local chocolate made from roasted cocoa beans
Where Can You Find Suman?
If you're in the Philippines, you can find suman in almost any market, grocery store, or bakery. It's a popular snack that's enjoyed by many Filipinos, and it's easy to find in most parts of the country.
If you're outside of the Philippines, you can still find suman if you know where to look. Many Filipino grocery stores and online retailers sell pre-packaged suman that you can enjoy at home. You can also try making your own suman using the recipe above!
The Bottom Line
Suman is a traditional Filipino rice cake that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a twist, this delicious dessert is sure to become one of your favorites. So the next time you're in the Philippines, be sure to try some suman!
