How to Cook Suman in a Rice Cooker: A Traditional Filipino Delight Made Easy

Have you ever wondered how to cook suman in a rice cooker? Suman, a beloved Filipino rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, is a special treat during the holidays and family gatherings. Traditionally, it requires skill and time, but using a rice cooker can simplify the process without sacrificing its rich flavor and texture. This guide will walk you through each step of how to cook suman in a rice cooker, making this timeless classic more accessible to the modern cook.

What is Suman?

Suman is a traditional Filipino delicacy made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. It's steamed to perfection, resulting in a delectable, slightly sweet rice cake with a rich, creamy texture. Originating from the Philippines, suman is often enjoyed with ripe mangoes, sweetened coconut jam (latik), or a simple sprinkle of sugar. Each region in the Philippines has its version of suman, making it a widely cherished dish.

Benefits of Using a Rice Cooker

Using a rice cooker to prepare suman offers several advantages. First, it provides a consistent, even heat, ensuring the rice is perfectly cooked. Secondly, a rice cooker is user-friendly and minimizes the need for constant monitoring, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks. Finally, this method simplifies the preparation process, making it less intimidating for beginners.

Ingredients Needed

Preparing the Ingredients

Soaking the Rice

The first step in how to cook suman in a rice cooker is to soak the glutinous rice. Measure out 2 cups of glutinous rice and place it in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover the rice and let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Soaking helps to soften the rice grains, ensuring they cook evenly and result in a tender suman.

Prepping the Banana Leaves

While the rice is soaking, you'll need to prepare the banana leaves for wrapping the suman. Gently wash the leaves under running water to remove any dirt. Then, using a knife from your cutlery set, cut the leaves into 10x10 inch squares. To make the leaves pliable, briefly pass them over an open flame or dip them in hot water. This step helps prevent the leaves from tearing when wrapping the rice mixture.

Cooking the Rice Mixture

After the rice has soaked, drain the excess water. In a saucepan, combine the soaked rice, 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The goal is to partially cook the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors from the coconut milk and sugar. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once the mixture has thickened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Wrapping the Suman

Take one of the prepared banana leaf squares and lay it flat on your cutting board. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf. Shape the mixture into a small log. Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice, then fold the bottom and top to form a neat packet. Secure the packet with a piece of string.

Cooking the Suman in a Rice Cooker

Place the wrapped suman packets into your rice cooker, stacked neatly to ensure they cook evenly. Add enough water to the cooker to cover the packets halfway. Set your rice cooker to the 'cook' setting. The cooking time may vary depending on your model, but generally, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully cook the suman. Check the water level occasionally and add more if necessary. The suman is done when the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Serving and Enjoying Your Suman

Once the suman is cooked, carefully remove the packets from the rice cooker, allowing them to cool slightly. Serve the suman as is or with your favorite accompaniments such as ripe mangoes, sweetened coconut jam, or a sprinkle of sugar. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the suman make it a delightful treat that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your homemade suman, it's important to clean your cookware properly to ensure it lasts for many more delightful meals. Use a gentle cookware cleaner to clean your rice cooker. If you used a cutting board, don't forget to treat it with cutting board oil to maintain its condition.

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Conclusion

Learning how to cook suman in a rice cooker can transform this traditional Filipino dessert into an easily achievable culinary delight. With the careful preparation of ingredients and the convenience of a rice cooker, anyone can make this sweet, creamy treat at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide provides all the details you need to create delicious suman that will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your homemade suman!

For more interesting recipes, check out how to make thick-cut bacon on a griddle, beef casserole in a slow cooker, and squash for squash casserole. You might also enjoy the external recipe for making delicious fried rice in a rice cooker.