Suman sa Lihiya
Wrapped Glutinous Rice in Lye
Typically square or rectangle in shape. The glutinous rice is wrapped in banana leaves after adding the lye, cooked either by boiling or steaming, which makes the banana leaves turn brown. Served with sugar and grated coconut sprinkled on top, or with coconut caramel sauce .
Ingredients :
- 4 Cups of glutinous rice
- 2 1/2 Tablespoon of lye water
- Coconut leaves
- Cooking twine
- Brown sugar
- Grated coconut
Directions :
- Cut banana leaves into two sizes, one 8 x 10-inch size and the other 5 x 5-inches.
- Soak the glutinous rice in water for about 2 hours.
- Wash and drain using a strainer and mix in the lye water. Rice should turn yellowish, mix well.
- Put the big sized leaf lengthwise, then put the smaller one on top.
- Scoop about 4 tablespoon of the glutinous rice mixture on the center of smaller piece of leaf.
- Fold the bottom bigger piece and roll to cover the rice. Fold the two sides to enclose the rice.
- Pair these two with the folded sides together. Using a kitchen twine, tie the 2 suman together tightly.
- Arrange in a deep pot and cover with water. Bring to boil and bring down heat to low and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
Cooking Tips :
- Other way of folding is, grab the 2 long sides of the bigger piece and bring them together. Fold or roll that side to enclose the rice.
- Refrigerate the leftover suman. When ready to eat, peel the banana leaves and heat up in the microwave covered with a wet paper towel.
