Mango Sticky Rice
Background and History
Mango Sticky Rice, known as "Khao Niew Mamuang" in Thailand, is a traditional Thai dessert that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This delightful dish features the harmonious combination of ripe mango, sweet coconut-flavored sticky rice, and creamy coconut cream. A popular street food delicacy, it is most commonly found in Thailand during the mango season, which typically spans from April to June. The dish has a long history rooted in Thai culinary traditions, where rice is a staple food item. The use of coconut cream dates back to ancient times when coconuts were abundant and offered a creamy richness to various Thai dishes. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, Mango Sticky Rice is cherished for its simplicity and exquisite taste, representing the essence of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
- Sticky Rice - 1 cup
- Coconut Milk - 1 cup
- Sugar - 1/4 cup
- Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
- Ripe Mango - 2, peeled and sliced
- Coconut Cream - 1/4 cup
- Mung Beans (optional) - 2 tablespoons
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Sticky Rice
Begin by rinsing the sticky rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight.
Step 2: Cooking the Sticky Rice
Drain the soaked sticky rice and place it in a steaming basket lined with cheesecloth. Steam over boiling water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes tender. You can set a cooking timer for this step to ensure accuracy.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Preparing the Coconut Mixture
While the sticky rice is steaming, it's time to prepare the coconut mixture. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Combining Rice and Coconut Milk
Transfer the cooked sticky rice into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the coconut milk mixture gradually, ensuring to mix well so the rice absorbs all the liquid. Allow the rice to rest for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavor further.
Step 5: Preparing the Coconut Cream Sauce
For an extra creamy texture, prepare a coconut cream sauce by heating coconut cream gently in a pan until it thickens slightly. You can add a little sugar if desired. This will be drizzled over the sticky rice before serving.
Step 6: Toasting the Mung Beans
If you choose to include mung beans, dry toast them in a small pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This will add a nice crunch to your dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Plating the Dessert
Slice the prepared mango and arrange it neatly alongside portions of the sticky rice on serving plates. Drizzle the coconut cream sauce over the rice and sprinkle toasted mung beans on top for added texture.
How to Enjoy
Enjoy Mango Sticky Rice at room temperature for the best flavor. It can be served as an indulgent dessert after a spicy Thai meal or as a refreshing snack. Its balance of sweetness from the coconut milk and tartness from the mango makes it a perfect palate cleanser.