Suman

Ingredients for Suman

• 1/2 kg glutinous rice
• 1 tsp lihiya (lye water)
• Prepared banana leaves
• Cotton strings
• 400 g palm sugar
• 2 large cans coconut milk, divided
• Water, for boiling

How to cook Suman

1. 1.Cut banana leaves into roughly 10-inch squares and quickly pass them over an open flame until pliable, without burning.
2. 2.Soak glutinous rice in 1 can coconut milk for 1 1/2 hours. Drain, then mix in lihiya until rice turns yellow.
3. 3.Wrap 3 tablespoons rice in each leaf, fold both ends, and tie securely with cotton string.
4. 4.Cover suman with water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours.
5. 5.Heat remaining coconut milk and palm sugar on low, stirring until melted. Simmer gently for 30 minutes until syrupy.
6. 6.Unwrap the suman and pour palm sugar sauce over each serving.