Thai Style Sweet Khao Tom Recipe (Coconut Sticky Rice with Banana in Steamed Banana Leaf)
Overview
This delightful Thai dessert, known as Sweet Khao Tom, combines the subtle richness of coconut with soft sticky rice and a sweet banana center. Wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, it’s a comforting, lightly sweet treat perfect to conclude a meal. Serve it as a standalone dessert or pair it with Thai-inspired dishes like noodles or Vegetarian Pad Thai for an authentic culinary experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 1 cup |
| White broad beans, soaked overnight | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Nendra Pazham Banana (ripe), chopped | 1 large |
| Banana leaves | As needed (for wrapping) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Preparation
| Preparation Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
-
Prepare Broad Beans
Begin by soaking the white broad beans overnight to soften. Drain and rinse the beans when ready to cook. -
Cook Broad Beans
In a pressure cooker, place the soaked beans with enough water. Cook on medium heat for approximately 5 whistles or until beans are soft. Let the pressure release naturally, then strain and set the beans aside. -
Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, then add the cooked broad beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. -
Cook the Mixture
Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the rice absorbs the coconut milk completely. This process will take about 10–15 minutes. If needed, gently mash the mixture with a potato masher to reach a coarse, sticky consistency. -
Prepare Banana Leaf Wraps
Set up a vegetable steamer on the stove. Meanwhile, cut banana leaves into rectangular pieces, around 6×8 inches, and soften them over a flame for easy folding. Take a small portion of the sticky rice mixture and flatten it onto a piece of the banana leaf. -
Add Banana Center
Place a few pieces of chopped ripe banana on the flattened rice. Add a little more of the rice mixture over the banana, forming a layer to encase the banana. -
Wrap and Steam
Carefully fold the banana leaf around the mixture, securing it with kitchen twine or string. Repeat for each portion. Place the parcels into the steamer, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. -
Serve
Serve your Thai Style Sweet Khao Tom warm. Enjoy it alongside a traditional Thai meal or as a comforting dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Khao Tom is a wonderful dessert to follow savory Thai dishes like noodle stir-fries or pad Thai. Alternatively, enjoy it as a midday treat with a cup of jasmine tea for a touch of indulgence.
