Teresa's Recipes
Num Plae Ai
Num Plae Ai, a cherished Cambodian dessert, is a delightful medley of sweet and creamy flavors. It features the lusciousness of sticky rice paired with the delicate, tropical flair of coconut milk and the natural sweetness of bananas. This dish is a staple in Cambodian festivities and is often shared among families during the Khmer New Year. The finishing touch of toasted sesame seeds provides a light crunch, adding a dimension of texture to this otherwise creamy dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons, toasted for garnish Sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup, for the coconut sauce Water
- 4-5 leaves, for steaming Pandan leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4, ripe and sliced Bananas
- 2 cups Coconut milk
- 2 cups Sticky rice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including rice soaking time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 65g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 30g
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and transfer it to a steamer basket that has been lined with aromatic pandan leaves.
- Steam the rice on high heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until you find it's turned soft and sticky.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the rice mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
- 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.
- Your delightful Num Plae Ai is ready to enjoy!
Tips
- For a variation, you can also use mango instead of banana for a different fruity twist.
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for a naturally sweet flavor.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly for a better aroma and crunch.