Khanom Tian: A Traditional Thai Coconut Rice Dumpling Recipe for Festivals

Khanom Tian, a delightful Chinese-Thai dessert, is often enjoyed during festivals like the Chinese Ghost Festival and Chinese New Year. These pyramid-shaped coconut rice dumplings feature a dough made from coconut milk and glutinous rice flour, filled with either a sweet or salty mixture. The unique combination of flavours and textures makes Khanom Tian a beloved treat in Thai cuisine.

Dough:

• 100 g palm sugar
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 200 g glutinous rice flour

Sweet Filling:

• 100 g palm sugar
• 2 cups overripe coconut
• 1 cup water
• 6 large banana leaves

Dough

1. Melt the palm sugar in a pan with coconut milk. Cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the glutinous rice flour with the coconut milk until smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Cover the dough and let it sit for 3 hours or overnight.

Filling

1. Combine palm sugar and water in a pan. Simmer until dry enough.
2. Add coconut and simmer until sticky. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Assembly

1. Oil your hand. Roll a 3-cm chunk of dough into a ball, flatten into a circle.
2. Place a ball of filling into the dough. Fold the dough around the filling, pinch seams shut.
3. Place dough balls into a greased dish to prevent sticking.
4. Wash banana leaves. Cut into two sizes: one 16–18 cm, another 12–14 cm in diameter.
5. Place large and small leaf sections together, dull sides facing each other for strength.
6. Fold one end of the banana leaf into a cone, drop in stuffed dough ball.
7. Fold over shorter side of cone. Fold both sides perpendicularly to cone seam.
8. Tuck long tail into slot. Fold over long tail left, put into slot. Crease folds to strengthen pyramid.

Cooking

1. Place dumplings in a single layer in a steamer. Steam for 20–30 minutes.
2. Let dumplings cool slightly before eating.

Nutritional Values

Khanom Tian is not only delicious but also offers a glimpse into traditional Thai culinary practices. The process of making these dumplings involves careful preparation and assembly, resulting in a dessert that is both visually appealing and satisfying to taste. Enjoy this treat during festive occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of the year.