How to Make Palitaw [With Pictures]
What is Palitaw
Palitaw is a typical afternoon snack in the Philippines. The word Palitaw literally translate to “float” or “rise.” It describes how you would know when the cake is already done—as it will float through the boiling water. It is typically made with grinned glutinous rice flour, freshly squeezed coconut milk, and topped with sesame sugar.
I was motivated to write about this recipe with Filipino expats in mind. Living in a foreign country, food is sometimes the most convenient way to bring comfort and remind you of home. But sometimes, Filipino delicacies may be difficult or time consuming to prepare.
This recipe’s ingredients are all readily available in most grocery (or at least here in Asia). Something Pinoy living in the city who crave for this familiar treat will find useful, as galapong (freshly grinned glutinous rice) or freshly squeezed coconut milk are sometimes difficult to find. Those who want to try something new or is curious about Filipino cuisines are also welcome to try this. This is a a very simple dish that requires only 5-ingredient.
All you need are 5-ingredient
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Ingredients
- 1 Pack Glutinous Rice Flour
- 1 Pack Desiccated Coconut
- 1 Can Coconut Milk
- 5 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the rice flour and coconut milk until it forms a dough. If it's too dry, add a few tablespoon of water. If you get it too wet, just add more flour until it does not stick to your finger.
- Divide the dough into two and the 2-part into two and so on until you have pingpong-sized dough balls.
- Boil water in a pot.
- While waiting for the water to boil, toast the sesame seeds until it release its oil. After toasting, combine sesame seeds with sugar in a bowl, set aside. Using the same pan to toast the sesame seeds, toast the desiccated coconut until it turns light brown.
- Flatten your rice dough then drop in boiling water. Once it float, remove from water and coat with the toasted coconut. Dust of excess coconut and place in a serving plate.
- To enjoy Palitaw, just add the sesame sugar according to desired taste.
You may also use powdered coconut milk if you can't find the one in can. Just reconstitute according to label instructions.
Substitutes
- Coconut milk can be substituted with evaporated milk, plain milk, or coconut water.
- Brown sugar is just my preference as I find it to be a healthier option. The typical Palitaw requires refined white sugar. If you want, you can opt for Muscovado or Palm sugar for a healthier alternative.
- For contrast in color, you could use black sesame seeds
Mix flour and coconut milk till it forms a dough
Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them in your hand
Drop the flattened dough in a pot of boiling water
Coat in toasted coconut
Dust off excess coconut and transfer to a serving plate
Top with sesame sugar before serving and enjoy!
© 2015 lee custodio