Description
A traditional Thai dessert made with sweet coconut filling and creamy coconut custard wrapped in fragrant banana leaves, then steamed to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut (or unsweetened desiccated coconut)
- 1/2 cup palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, to thicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (or cornstarch)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8–10 banana leaves (cut into approx. 8×10-inch rectangles)
- Kitchen twine or small bamboo sticks (for sealing)
Instructions
- Rinse banana leaves gently with water to remove dirt. Soften them over a low flame or by dipping in boiling water for 10 seconds. Pat dry and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine grated coconut, palm sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. Add flour if desired. Cool to room temperature.
- In another pot, whisk coconut milk, sugar, rice flour, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Place a softened banana leaf glossy side up. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut filling, then 1 tablespoon of coconut cream mixture. Fold sides inward, then top and bottom to form a neat package. Secure with leaf strips, twine, or bamboo stick.
- Arrange parcels seam-side down in a steamer lined with banana leaves or parchment. Steam over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Always soften banana leaves before folding to prevent cracks.
- Toast grated coconut for a richer, nutty flavor.
- If the coconut cream mixture becomes lumpy, whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
- Use pandan leaves in the steamer for extra fragrance.
- Do not overfill parcels to avoid leaks during steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai dessert, banana leaf dessert, coconut custard, steamed Thai sweet, Khanom Sod Sai, Khao Tom Mud