Htamanè - Burmese Sticky Rice Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves, for lining the steamer Banana leaves, for lining the steamer

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2.
   Drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with banana leaves.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until warm.
4. 4.
   Add the grated jaggery to the warm coconut milk and stir until it dissolves completely.
5. 5.
   Pour the coconut milk mixture over the soaked rice and mix well.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle cardamom powder and salt over the rice mixture and gently combine.
7. 7.
   Cover the steamer and steam the rice cake over medium heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and sticky.
8. 8.
   Remove the steamer from heat and let the Htamanè cool for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, cut the rice cake into desired shapes and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before soaking.
• Jaggery — If jaggery is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a similar taste.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the rice overnight ensures a softer texture.
• Use fresh banana leaves for lining the steamer to impart a subtle aroma to the rice cake.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery according to your preference.
• Serve Htamanè warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover Htamanè can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer before serving.

Serving advice

Serve Htamanè as a delightful dessert after a traditional Burmese meal. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Htamanè pieces on a platter lined with fresh banana leaves for an authentic touch. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added visual appeal.