The Making of Mango Sticky Rice

Making sticky rice for the famous Thai dessert Sticky Rice and Mango involves a specific preparation process to achieve its unique texture and flavor. To begin, rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and contributes to a better final texture. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. This soaking period softens the grains and allows them to absorb water evenly.

Once the soaking is complete, drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer or colander. Transfer the drained rice to a bamboo or metal steamer lined with cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel. Steam the rice over boiling water for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and slightly translucent.

While the rice is steaming, it's time to prepare the coconut sauce. In a saucepan, gently heat coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. It's important not to bring the coconut milk to a boil during this process.

Once the rice is fully steamed, transfer it to a bowl and slowly pour the prepared coconut sauce over it. Carefully fold the rice and coconut sauce together to ensure even distribution and absorption of flavors. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep the rice warm and prevent it from drying out.

For colored sticky rice variations, you can achieve different hues using natural ingredients. To create blue sticky rice, boil dried butterfly pea flowers in water, strain the flowers out, and use the blue water to soak the rice. For green sticky rice, blend pandan leaves with water, strain the juice, and mix it with the soaked rice. Follow the same steaming and combining process as with white sticky rice.

When ready to serve, present the sticky rice alongside slices of ripe mango. For an extra touch, garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds to enhance its flavor and provide a delightful textural contrast. Mastery of sticky rice preparation may require some practice, particularly in achieving the desired texture, so feel free to adjust cooking times and techniques based on personal preferences and available equipment. Enjoy the delectable delight of Sticky Rice and Mango!