Suman

Suman Recipe - A Delightful Filipino Dessert

Region / culture: Philippines | Servings: 6

Introduction

Suman is a traditional Filipino delicacy made with sticky or sweet rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is a popular dessert or snack enjoyed by many in the Philippines.

History

Suman has been a part of Filipino cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to pre-colonial times. It is believed that the recipe was influenced by Chinese and Malay traders who introduced rice to the Philippines. Over time, Filipinos adapted the recipe to include coconut milk and other local ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups of sticky or sweet rice
1 can of coconut milk
fresh ginger or anise seeds or anise extract
sugar

How to prepare

Cook the malagkit rice in a rice cooker, using coconut milk instead of water. Use about two-thirds of a can of coconut milk. When cooking malagkit rice, use slightly less liquid than when cooking regular rice.
Omit ginger and use langka instead.
If ginger is not available, add a tablespoon or two of anise extract. Alternatively, sprinkle some anise seeds.
Once the rice is cooked, wrap it in banana leaves or foil, similar to wrapping lumpia.
Take about two tablespoons of rice and place them on a square piece of banana leaf (approximately 6 inches by 6 inches). Roll the leaf to form a log, then twist and tuck both ends under the log.
Note: To prevent the banana leaf from tearing, run it over a flame and wipe it with a damp cloth.
Place the rice on the darker side of the leaf (the side without the whitish powdery substance that covers the underside of the banana leaf).
After wrapping the rice, place them in a casserole or large saucepan. Cover the rice with coconut milk, using just enough to cover the pile. Dilute the remaining coconut milk with water.
Traditionally, the wrapped malagkit rice is cooked overnight. However, you can also cook it for approximately one hour, or until the liquid evaporates.
Serve the rice rolled in sugar or as a side dish for ripe Manila mangoes.

Variations

Add pandan leaves or pandan extract for a fragrant flavor.
Use muscovado sugar for a richer taste.
Top suman with grated coconut or latik (coconut curds) for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use sticky or sweet rice for the best results.

- Cook the rice in coconut milk for a rich and creamy flavor.

- Wrap the cooked rice in banana leaves or foil for a traditional touch.

- Serve the suman rolled in sugar or with ripe Manila mangoes for a delicious treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve suman as a dessert or snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the rice in coconut milk adds a creamy texture and flavor to the suman.

- Wrapping the cooked rice in banana leaves or foil helps retain moisture and enhances the aroma of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use jasmine rice or sushi rice if sticky or sweet rice is not available.

- Substitute coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Suman can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or steamer before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the suman on a platter and garnish with fresh fruits or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair suman with hot chocolate or tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate) for a comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover suman in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or steamer before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of suman can vary depending on the serving size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Suman is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the sticky or sweet rice used in the recipe.

Fats

Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and flavor to suman, making it a source of healthy fats.

Proteins

Suman is not a significant source of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut milk provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

Suman may contain allergens such as coconut and rice.

Summary

Suman is a delicious Filipino dessert made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is a carbohydrate-rich dish that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Suman is a traditional Filipino dessert made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with hot beverages. Try this recipe for a taste of Filipino cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Pampanga in the Philippines. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one afternoon. As we worked together, she started telling me about a special dish called Suman that she used to make for special occasions.

She told me that Suman was a traditional Filipino delicacy made from glutinous rice that was cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. It was a labor of love, she said, but the end result was always worth it. I was intrigued and eager to learn more, so I asked her to teach me how to make it.

We spent the entire afternoon preparing the ingredients and cooking the Suman. My grandmother guided me through each step, from washing the rice and soaking it in coconut milk to wrapping the mixture in banana leaves and steaming it until it was perfectly cooked. As the sweet aroma of coconut and rice filled the kitchen, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I continued to make Suman for my family and friends, always following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. I would often experiment with different flavors and fillings, adding ingredients like jackfruit, chocolate, or even purple yam to create unique variations of this beloved dish.

One day, while visiting a local market, I met a kind old woman who was selling traditional Filipino ingredients. She noticed the banana leaves and coconut milk in my basket and struck up a conversation with me about Suman. She shared her own family recipe with me, which included a secret ingredient that she claimed would make my Suman even more delicious.

I was eager to try out this new recipe, so I thanked the old woman and hurried home to start cooking. As I followed her instructions and added the secret ingredient to my Suman, I could already tell that it was going to be something special. When I finally tasted the finished dish, I was blown away by how rich and flavorful it was. The secret ingredient had truly elevated the dish to a whole new level.

From that day on, I incorporated the old woman's secret ingredient into my Suman recipe, making it a staple in my kitchen. I would often share this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of making Suman from generation to generation.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of coconut and rice, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life. Suman will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of its delicious taste, but because of the stories and experiences that have come along with it. And for that, I am forever grateful.