Sweet treats are always a welcoming finish to a satisfying meal. There are a wide range of choices when it comes to dessert, but in the Philippines, the more traditional option would be to savor the chewy sweetness of kakanin.
Different from the usual desserts found in fast-food chains, kakanin is usually sold on the streets or in small stalls. There are some restaurants that sell them, but not all of them do, making eating kakanin an occasional delight.
Bibingkang Malagkit
Ingredients
Steamed Rice:
- 4 cups glutinous rice
- 4 cups water
Coconut Jam:
- 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
- 4 cups coconut cream
- 2 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
For Added Scent:
- Banana leaf
Instructions
- In a pot, cook the glutinous rice like normal rice. Before it is fully cooked, loosen up the rice so it becomes fluffy. After mixing, leave it uncovered to let it release steam.
- Prepare the coconut jam. Pound the fennel seeds to release the essential oils.
- In a pan, toast the pounded fennel seeds. When the fennel seeds become aromatic, pour in the coconut cream. Mix. Add the dark brown sugar. Mix again. Let it cook until it becomes rich and sticky.
- When the coconut jam has thickened, scoop half of it into the glutenous rice. Mix well until it has fully incorporated with each other.
- Add the rest of the sugar to the remaining coconut jam and allow it to reduce further. Make sure to stir so it does not burn.
- Once the glutinous rice is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish lined with a banana leaf. Pour the coconut jam over the glutinous rice.
- Put the baking dishes in the oven to allow the coconut jam to caramelize and reduce further.
- When it has finished cooking, leave it to cool completely.
- Once it has cooled, slice it into pieces.
The stickiness of the kakanin makes it quite a messy treat, since there will be times when it will stick to the plate or fork, making it a rather interesting challenge. With a sugary taste that is unlike the sweetness of pies, ice cream, and cakes–this Bibingkang Malagkit will be a magical experience that will have you searching for it.
For more simple and easy recipes, grab copies of our Simpol Cookbook collection on Shopee or Lazada. Also available in Fully Booked and National Book Store.
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