Palm Sugar Balls

Palm Sugar Balls Recipe from Malaysia - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Malaysia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Palm Sugar Balls are a delicious and traditional Southeast Asian dessert made with simple ingredients like flour, coconut cream, pandan essence, palm sugar, and desiccated coconut. These sweet treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

History

Palm Sugar Balls have been a beloved dessert in Southeast Asia for generations. The combination of the fragrant pandan essence, creamy coconut cream, and sweet palm sugar creates a unique and delightful flavor profile that has stood the test of time. These sweet treats are often made during festive occasions and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

500 g of glutinous rice flour
400 ml of coconut cream
0.25 tsp of pandan spice essence
120 g of palm sugar
1 cup of desiccated coconut

How to prepare

Place rice flour in a bowl and create a well in the center.
Add coconut cream and pandan essence to the well.
Mix the ingredients to form a firm dough, then knead lightly.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
Cut the palm sugar into pieces the size of 5 cent coins.
Roll tablespoons of dough in your hands and insert a piece of palm sugar into the center, ensuring it is enclosed by the dough.
Roll the dough into balls.
Cook the balls in the boiling water a few at a time until they float to the surface.
Remove the balls with a slotted spoon and roll them in desiccated coconut.
Transfer the balls to a plate and serve them at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
Consume the balls on the day of making.

Variations

Add a pinch of salt to the dough for a savory twist.
Use different flavors of essence such as vanilla or rose water for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough lightly to ensure a firm texture.

- Be careful when inserting the palm sugar into the dough to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.

- Cook the balls in batches to ensure even cooking.

- Rolling the balls in desiccated coconut adds a delicious crunch and texture to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Palm Sugar Balls as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the balls ensures that they are cooked through and have a soft texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular sugar instead of palm sugar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Palm Sugar Balls are best consumed on the day of making and should not be refrigerated.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Palm Sugar Balls on a decorative plate garnished with fresh pandan leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Palm Sugar Balls with a hot cup of jasmine tea for a delightful combination of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Palm Sugar Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Do not refrigerate. Reheat in a steamer for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Palm Sugar Balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Palm Sugar Balls contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Palm Sugar Balls contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Palm Sugar Balls contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Palm Sugar Balls are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Palm Sugar Balls may contain gluten and coconut allergens.

Summary

Palm Sugar Balls are a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They also provide a good amount of proteins, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Palm Sugar Balls are a delightful and traditional Southeast Asian dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these sweet treats are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of Palm Sugar Balls with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Palm Sugar Balls. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in a small village in Thailand. My aunt was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, and she had a special knack for creating delicious sweet treats.

One day, as I watched her in the kitchen, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from a drawer. It was written in beautiful calligraphy, with intricate drawings of palm trees and sugar cane adorning the edges. My aunt explained that this was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family, and she was going to teach me how to make it.

The ingredients were simple, yet exotic - palm sugar, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. My aunt explained that palm sugar was a special ingredient that gave the balls their unique flavor and sweetness. She showed me how to carefully melt the palm sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it formed a thick, caramel-like consistency.

Next, we added the coconut milk and let it simmer until the mixture thickened. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a blend of sweet sugar and creamy coconut that made my mouth water. Finally, we stirred in the shredded coconut, letting it absorb the sweet, sticky mixture until it formed a thick dough.

My aunt then showed me how to shape the dough into small balls, rolling them in my hands until they were smooth and round. She explained that the key to the perfect Palm Sugar Balls was to make sure they were all uniform in size, so that they would cook evenly and look beautiful on the serving platter.

As we placed the balls on a baking sheet and popped them in the oven, my aunt told me stories of how this recipe had been passed down through the generations in our family. She explained that palm sugar was a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine, used in a variety of dishes both savory and sweet. The Palm Sugar Balls were a special treat, reserved for holidays and celebrations, and they were always a hit with family and friends.

When the balls were golden brown and fragrant, we removed them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. I couldn't wait to taste them, to see if they lived up to the memories of my childhood. My aunt handed me one of the warm, gooey balls, and as I took my first bite, I was transported back to that small village in Thailand, surrounded by the love and laughter of my family.

The Palm Sugar Balls were everything I had hoped for - sweet, rich, and bursting with the flavors of my heritage. I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire, to be shared with future generations of my family.

As I grew older and traveled the world, I collected recipes from various places and people, adding to my culinary repertoire with each new adventure. But no matter where I went, the Palm Sugar Balls remained a constant in my kitchen, a reminder of my roots and the love that went into creating them.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will treasure it as much as I have. May the Palm Sugar Balls bring you joy and connection to our family's rich culinary heritage, and may you always remember the love and stories that go into every bite. Enjoy, and bon appétit!