Imagine a warm, golden morning in the Philippines. You’re greeted by the aroma of banana leaves and freshly steamed glutinous rice, hints of coconut milk mingling in the air. This is Suman, a traditional Filipino delight that beckons you with its irresistible charm.

The Art of Making Suman

Picture this: The glutinous rice, having soaked overnight, is now tender and plump, ready to mingle with creamy coconut milk, a touch of sugar, and a pinch of salt. As the ingredients blend together, they create a rich, sweet batter with just the right amount of saltiness.

Now, the banana leaves, carefully cleaned and wilted to a deep, vibrant green, are spread out. They look like nature’s perfect wrapping paper, ready to encase the golden mixture. You scoop a generous portion of the rice mixture onto each leaf, fold it snugly, and secure it with a strip of leaf or twine. Each parcel, neat and compact, is a promise of the delectable treat to come.

Steaming: The Heart of Suman

The bundles are steamed gently, and as they cook, the leaves impart their subtle, earthy aroma to the rice. The kitchen is filled with a warm, inviting scent that hints at the treat’s soft, chewy texture. After about 30 to 45 minutes, the Suman is ready—its color is a pleasing shade of golden brown, and the aroma is mouthwatering.

Serving and Enjoying

Now comes the best part—enjoying Suman. Picture yourself unwrapping the banana leaf, releasing a puff of steam and the tantalizing scent of sweet rice. You take a bite and experience the soft, chewy texture that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the coconut milk.

To elevate this experience, you drizzle a generous spoonful of latik—the caramelized coconut syrup—over the Suman. The rich, buttery sweetness of the latik seeps into the rice, making each bite even more irresistible. Alternatively, a dollop of thick, luscious coconut jam adds a layer of creamy richness.

Pair it with a slice of fresh, ripe mango, and you have a match made in heaven. The sweet, juicy mango provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sticky rice, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.

 

 

Suman Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 1 ½ cups coconut milk
• ½ cup brown sugar (or white sugar, if preferred)
• A pinch of salt
• Banana leaves (or palm leaves), cleaned and cut into squares (about 6×6 inches)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lye water (for a different texture)

For Serving:

• Latik (caramelized coconut milk)
• Fresh mango slices
• Coconut jam (kakang gata)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain well before using.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the soaked and drained rice with coconut milk, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
   • Optional: If you’re using lye water, add it to the mixture and stir well. This will give the Suman a slightly different texture.
3. Prepare the Banana Leaves:
   • If using banana leaves, rinse them thoroughly and then wilt them by passing them over a flame or dipping them briefly in hot water. This makes the leaves more pliable and easier to fold.
   • Cut the leaves into squares, about 6×6 inches, and set aside.
4. Assemble the Suman:
   • Lay a banana leaf square flat on a clean surface.
   • Place about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture in the center of the leaf.
   • Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice to enclose it, then fold the top and bottom to create a neat parcel. Secure with a strip of leaf or kitchen twine if needed.
   • Repeat with the remaining rice mixture and banana leaves.
5. Steam the Suman:
   • Arrange the wrapped Suman bundles in a steamer basket, stacking them neatly.
   • Steam over simmering water for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully unwrap the Suman from the banana leaves.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature. Drizzle with latik or a dollop of coconut jam, and enjoy with slices of fresh mango on the side.

From YumA with love: Bringing joy to your taste buds

Enjoy the sweet and creamy coconut milk mixed with slightly chewy rice. The banana leaves give a gentle, earthy taste that makes everything better. Every bite is a little treat, connecting you to the delicious traditions of the Philippines.