Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves

Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves Recipe from Burma | Ingredients: Sago, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Coconut Milk, Coconut, Salt, Banana

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Sago steamed in banana leaves is a traditional Indonesian dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. This sweet and creamy treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Indonesia, where sago is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The use of banana leaves to steam the sago adds a unique flavor to the dish and enhances its overall presentation.

Ingredients

2.5 cups sago
4 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp vegetable oil
150 ml thick coconut milk
1 cup coconut flakes
1 tsp salt
banana leaves or aluminum foil

How to prepare

Thoroughly wash the sago and then soak it in water for 2 hours.
Drain the sago and add 0.5 tsp of salt.
In a frying pan, cook the coconut flakes, sugar, and salt until the sugar is melted and coats the coconut flakes.
Pour the mixture into a bowl and set it aside.
Next, cook the coconut milk for 10–15 minutes until it separates and yields coconut oil.
Pour the coconut oil into a separate bowl and set it aside.
Rub vegetable oil on the inside of the banana leaves or aluminum foils.
Place the sago and coconut oil onto the prepared leaves or foils.
Top it with the sweetened coconut flakes.
Gather the sides of the leaves to form a pyramid shape and fasten the top with a wooden skewer. If using foils, simply twist the foil to seal the contents inside.
Steam the pyramids over hot water for 30 minutes.
This recipe yields 10 servings.

Variations

Add pandan leaves or pandan extract for a fragrant twist to the dish.
Mix in diced fruits such as mango or pineapple for a refreshing flavor.
Drizzle with palm sugar syrup or condensed milk for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the sago in water before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes soft.

- Cooking the coconut flakes with sugar and salt adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

- Steaming the sago in banana leaves or aluminum foil helps to infuse the flavors of the ingredients and creates a moist and tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sago steamed in banana leaves as a dessert after a traditional Indonesian meal or as a sweet snack on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the sago in banana leaves or aluminum foil helps to lock in the flavors and create a moist and tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sago, you can substitute with tapioca pearls for a similar texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sago mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to steam.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sago pyramids on a platter lined with banana leaves for an authentic and visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy sago steamed in banana leaves with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sago in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or steam for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sago steamed in banana leaves contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sago steamed in banana leaves contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats from the coconut milk and oil, providing essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

While sago itself is not a significant source of protein, the coconut flakes in this recipe add a small amount of protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Sago is a good source of iron and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and blood circulation.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut, which is a common allergen. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Sago steamed in banana leaves is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a sweet treat that is also nutritious.

Summary

Sago steamed in banana leaves is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With its creamy texture and sweet coconut flavor, this traditional Indonesian dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the Philippines. My grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills, had invited me to help her prepare a special dish for a family gathering.

As we gathered the ingredients, my grandmother told me the story of how she had learned to make Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves from an old friend who had traveled to a remote village in the mountains. The villagers there had shown her how to harvest sago pearls from the sago palm trees that grew abundantly in their area, and how to steam them in banana leaves to create a delicious and nutritious dessert.

I was fascinated by the process, and eagerly helped my grandmother as she washed the sago pearls and soaked them in water to soften them. Then, we mixed the sago pearls with coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt, before wrapping the mixture in banana leaves and tying them securely with twine.

As the parcels steamed over a pot of boiling water, the aroma of coconut and banana filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the parcels were finally ready, my grandmother carefully unwrapped them to reveal the glistening, translucent pearls inside. The texture was chewy and slightly sticky, with a subtle sweetness that was perfectly complemented by the fragrant banana leaves.

I took a bite of the sago and was immediately transported back to that remote village in the mountains, where the simple yet delicious dessert had been a staple of the villagers' diet for generations. I could almost hear the sound of children laughing and playing in the background, as they enjoyed the same treat that I was now savoring.

From that day on, Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves became a regular feature on our family's menu. My grandmother would often make it for special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays, and it quickly became one of our most cherished recipes.

Over the years, I have continued to make Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves for my own family, passing down the tradition to my children and grandchildren. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of that first time I discovered the recipe with my grandmother, and the sense of anticipation and excitement that it brought.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones and enjoying a plate of freshly steamed sago, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. And I can only hope that one day, my grandchildren will feel the same sense of anticipation and connection to their heritage as they savor this delicious and timeless dessert.