Num E (Sticky Rice Balls in Sugar Syrup and Coconut Cream)

Ingredients

• 700g Sticky Rice Flour
• 7 Pandan Leaves
• 1/4 Beetroot
• 100g Pumpkin
• 100g Taro
• 100g Longan
• 200g Coconut
• 2L Water
• 1 L Water
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 5 Slices Ginger
• 3 Cups Coconut Cream

Directions

1. Step 1: Place coconut cream in a small pot over low heat. Cut 3 pandan leaves into large strips and add to the pot with brown sugar, salt, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then cook 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the pandan leaves, and let cool.
2. Step 2: Chop the remaining 4 pandan leaves, blend with ¼ cup water until very green, then strain well. In a bowl, place 200 g sticky rice flour, add a little pandan liquid, and knead until smooth.
3. Step 3: Peel and chop beetroot, blend with ¼ cup water until red, then strain well. In a bowl, place 200 g sticky rice flour, add a little beetroot liquid, and knead until smooth.
4. Step 4: Bring 3 litres of water to a boil in a medium–large pot. Divide each dough into small pieces, roll into balls about ⅓ the size of a ping pong ball, then drop into boiling water. When they float, remove and place them into fresh, icy water to keep them separate.
5. Step 5: Drain well, then place the mixed colored balls into the cooled coconut sugar syrup and stir. Serve in small bowls (add longan and shredded coconut as desired).
6. Step 6: Add the coloring liquids gradually—each flour absorbs differently. You want a dough that’s smooth and pliable, not sticky.