Num Plae Ai

Ingredients

Sesame seeds

2 tablespoons, toasted for garnish

Water

1/2 cup, for the coconut sauce

Pandan leaves

4-5 leaves, for steaming

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Sugar

1 cup

Bananas

4, ripe and sliced

Coconut milk

2 cups

Sticky rice

2 cups

Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak the cleaned rice in water for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight for best results.
2. Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and transfer it to a steamer basket that has been lined with aromatic pandan leaves.
3. Steam the rice on high heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until you find it's turned soft and sticky.
4. While the rice is being steamed, prepare the coconut sauce. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and water. Stir and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely into the mixture.
5. Once the rice is ready, remove it from the steamer and transfer to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm coconut sauce over the rice and mix well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
6. Allow the rice mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. For serving, dish up a generous portion of the sticky rice on a plate, top it with slices of ripe banana, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch.
8. Your delightful Num Plae Ai is ready to enjoy!