Budbud Pilit (Glutinous Rice Budbud)

Budbud made with glutinous rice slowly cooked in sweet coconut milk and wrapped in leaves. — Yield about 12–16 rolls · Prep 20m (plus soaking) · Cook 40–50m

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice, rinsed and soaked 1 hour
• 6 cups coconut milk (or enough to cook rice until half-done)
• 3/4–1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Banana leaves, for wrapping

Method

1. Prepare the steamer or lined pan, measure the glutinous rice accurately and wrap the steamer lid to prevent condensation dripping onto the mixture. Secure any lid cloth above the lid so it cannot hang near a flame or heating element.
2. In a wide pan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the soaked glutinous rice and cook over low heat, stirring often, until the grains are half-cooked and the mixture is thick and sticky but still moist.
4. Cool slightly, then spoon portions of the mixture onto banana leaves and roll into tight logs, folding and tying the ends.
5. Arrange in a steamer and steam 30–40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with sugar and grated coconut.

Kitchen note

Stop cooking the rice mixture while it is still spreadable so it is easy to roll in leaves