Lao Coconut Sticky Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) coconut milk 1 ½ cups (360ml) coconut milk
• ½ cup (100g) white sugar ½ cup (100g) white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 pandan leaves, tied into a knot 2 pandan leaves, tied into a knot

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and pandan leaves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Pour the coconut milk mixture over the soaked rice in the steamer. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Place the steamer over a pot of boiling water and steam the rice for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and sticky.
6. 6.
   Remove the steamer from heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Discard the pandan leaves and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a better texture.
• Pandan leaves — Tie the leaves into a knot to release their aromatic flavor into the coconut milk mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more vibrant green color, you can add a few drops of pandan extract to the coconut milk mixture.
• Serve the Coconut Sticky Rice warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover sticky rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Lao Coconut Sticky Rice on a banana leaf or a small plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, shape the sticky rice into small balls or use a mold to create decorative shapes. Drizzle some coconut milk on top and garnish with fresh fruits like mango slices or lychees.