Sapin-Sapin Romanian Style

Ingredients

In this Romanian-inspired version of Sapin-Sapin, we have incorporated traditional Romanian flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion dessert. While the original Filipino Sapin-Sapin uses glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and various flavorings, our Romanian adaptation includes the addition of pandan extract and purple yam, which are commonly used in Romanian desserts. These additions give the dessert a distinct Romanian twist while still maintaining the essence of the original Sapin-Sapin. We alse have the original recipe for Sapin-sapin, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) coconut milk 1 ½ cups (355ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon pandan extract 1 teaspoon pandan extract
• 1 cup (200g) purple yam, cooked and mashed 1 cup (200g) purple yam, cooked and mashed
• ½ cup (40g) toasted coconut flakes, for garnish ½ cup (40g) toasted coconut flakes, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the batter is smooth.
2. 2.
   Divide the batter into three equal parts. Leave one part plain, mix the second part with pandan extract, and mix the third part with mashed purple yam.
3. 3.
   Prepare a steamer and line the bottom with banana leaves or parchment paper.
4. 4.
   Pour the plain batter into the steamer and steam for 10 minutes or until set.
5. 5.
   Once the first layer is set, pour the pandan-flavored batter on top and steam for another 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   Finally, pour the purple yam-flavored batter on top and steam for an additional 10 minutes or until all layers are set.
7. 7.
   Remove from the steamer and let it cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, cut into squares or diamond shapes and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as regular rice flour will not yield the desired texture.
• Pandan extract — If pandan extract is not available, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
• Purple yam — Cook the purple yam until it is soft and mashable. You can boil or steam the yam until tender.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve vibrant colors, use natural food coloring such as pandan extract for green and purple yam for purple.
• For added texture, you can mix toasted coconut flakes into the batter before steaming.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
• Experiment with different flavors such as ube (purple yam) extract or mango extract for additional variations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Sapin-Sapin Romanian Style as a delightful dessert after a Romanian-inspired meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful squares of Sapin-Sapin Romanian Style on a platter, showcasing the vibrant layers. Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes on top for an added visual appeal. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green.