Mango sticky rice, known in Thailand as “Kao Niew Mamuang,” is a beloved dessert that combines sweet, glutinous rice with ripe mango and a luscious coconut sauce. This dish captures the essence of tropical flavors and is popular not just in Thailand but around the world. The light, aromatic, and slightly sweet profile makes it a satisfying ending to any meal. Here’s how to prepare this delightful Thai dessert stepbystep.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Rice:
1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sweet rice)
1 ½ cups coconut milk
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
12 ripe mangoes (preferably sweet and fragrant varieties like Nam Dok Mai or Ataulfo)
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds or mung beans (toasted)
A pinch of salt
Preparation Steps
1. Soak the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
Soak the rice in water for at least 46 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for achieving that sticky, chewy texture.
2. Prepare the Coconut Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir over low heat until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Do not let it boil. Once combined, set aside half of the mixture for serving later. Keep it warm.
3. Steam the Rice:
After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a steaming basket lined with cheesecloth or banana leaves to prevent it from falling through.
Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot and place the rice in the steaming basket above the boiling water. Cover and steam for approximately 2530 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and sticky.
4. Combine Rice and Coconut Milk:
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and gradually pour in the remaining coconut milk mixture (the half you set aside earlier). Mix gently, ensuring all the rice is wellcoated. Let it rest for about 1530 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Mango:
While the rice is resting, peel the mangoes, and cut them into thin slices or cubes. Ripe mangoes are essential for enhancing the dish’s sweetness.
6. Plate the Dish:
To serve, place a portion of the sticky rice on a plate next to the mango slices. Drizzle some of the reserved coconut sauce over the rice, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or toasted mung beans for added texture.
7. Enjoy Your Creation:
Take a moment to appreciate the alluring combination of creamy coconut, sweet mango, and the chewy, fragrant rice. This dessert embodies the delightful contrasts of Thai cuisine.
This process, while simple, can be an exercise in patience. Each step is important for achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the mango paired with the richness of coconut is a reminder of summer and tropical bliss. Yet, despite its simplicity, the preparation can feel overwhelming; the longing for a perfect outcome often adds a layer of anxiety. Every bite is delightful, evoking an array of emotions intertwined with memories, as is often the case with beloved dishes.