Il Cucinologo
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Sticky rice

17/11/2023

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, is a typical dish of Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Laotian. Although it is not an Italian dish, I will propose the classic version and then, if you like, I can suggest an Italian touch.

Ingredients to prepare traditional Sticky Rice:

  • 2 cups of glutinous rice
  • Water for soaking
  • A pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Start by placing the glutinous rice in a large bowl and cover it completely with fresh water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or even better overnight. This step helps to make the rice grains softer and ensures they cook evenly.

  2. Drain the soaking water and rinse the rice until the water runs clearer, this is to remove excess starch.

  3. Prepare your steamer basket. The traditional method uses a bamboo basket specifically designed for cooking sticky rice. Line the basket with a clean cloth, add the rice and cover it with the edges of the cloth.

  4. Bring water to a boil in a pot that can support the basket, making sure the water does not touch the rice. Once the water boils, place the basket with the rice on top and cover with the lid (or with the top part of the bamboo basket if available).

  5. Steam the rice for 15-20 minutes, then turn it to ensure even cooking. After turning the rice, cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until it is soft but still slightly al dente.

  6. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a bowl and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be accompanied with a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor.

If you would like an Italian touch, you could try adding fresh basil or rosemary to the steam during cooking, for an unusual but pleasant combination of flavors.

Trivia

The term “sticky” comes from the fact that the rice, due to its high starch content (in particular amylose), becomes very sticky once cooked, allowing it to be easily eaten with the hands or chopsticks in Southeast Asian traditions. It is also often served with ripe mangoes and a sweet sauce made from coconut milk, creating a sweet-salty contrast that is highly appreciated.