Htoe Mont Recipe

Background and Description

Htoe Mont, also known as Burmese Sticky Rice Cake, hails from the vibrant culinary culture of Myanmar. This delectable dessert is often enjoyed during festive occasions and traditional ceremonies. Made primarily from glutinous rice, Htoe Mont is characterized by its sweet and sticky texture along with a rich nutty flavor stemming from the inclusion of toasted sesame seeds and dried coconut.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice - 2 cups
• Coconut cream - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Toasted sesame seeds - 1/4 cup
• Dried coconut flakes - 1/2 cup

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Glutinous Rice

Start by washing the glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Once cleaned, soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Preparing the Coconut Mixture

While the rice is soaking, take a mixing bowl and add the coconut cream, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, creating a sweet and savory coconut blend.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

After the rice has soaked, drain it and transfer it to a steaming basket lined with a muslin cloth. Using a steamer, steam the glutinous rice for about 30 minutes. It's crucial to check the rice at intervals to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once the rice is tender, remove it from the steamer and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour over the prepared coconut mixture while gently folding the glutinous rice to incorporate the flavors thoroughly.

Step 2: Finalizing the Cake

Grease a square baking dish with some coconut cream. Lay a layer of the rice mixture at the base of the dish. Sprinkle the top with generous amounts of toasted sesame seeds and dried coconut flakes. Press down gently to even out the layer.

Repeat this process until all the rice is used up and the baking dish is full. The topmost layer should have a good sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and dried coconut flakes to ensure an appealing finish.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the layered rice cake in the oven and bake it for about 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together and the top to develop a golden hue.

Step 3: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the Htoe Mont from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. This cooling period, around 1 to 2 hours, helps in setting the sticky rice cake for easy slicing.

To serve, slice the Htoe Mont into squares or bite-sized pieces. Traditionally, it can be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack accompanied by a warm cup of tea.

Enjoying Htoe Mont

Htoe Mont is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature. Its sticky and sweet profile is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Whether you are serving it at a special gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home with tea, this delightful Burmese treat is sure to bring about joy and a taste of Myanmar's rich culinary heritage.

For those keeping an eye on time, you might consider setting a cooking timer during different stages to ensure perfect results.

Explore the flavors of Htoe Mont and let this traditional Burmese sticky rice cake become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.