Palitaw (Sweet Rice Cakes)

Palitaw is a unique but simple all-time favorite snack of Filipinos during afternoons or merienda.  It consists of glutinous rice flour, white sugar, toasted sesame seeds and grated coconut.  As you can see, the ingredients are readily found in any grocery, palengke or talipapa all over the country.  If you are from abroad, these ingredients can also be found in Asian Stores.  It is very easy to make and ready in just a short while.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups glutinous rice flour

1 cup water 

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

1 to 1 1/2 cups grated coconut

5 cups water for boiling

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour and water to form into a soft and pliable dough.

2. Form the dough in small round balls with the palm of your hand.  Flatten these on a plate by using the convex portion of a spoon and form into 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch thick oval discs. 

3. Boil water in a pot over medium heat.  Carefully drop the flattened discs into the boiling water and wait for these to rise up and float to the surface.  This takes around 2 minutes, signalling that the discs are cooked.  Scoop the discs with a slotted spoon and drain well.

4. In a shallow pan, toast the sesame seeds for 30 seconds.  Mix the sesame seeds with the sugar in a plate.

5. Put the grated coconut in a plate. 

6. While warm, roll the palitaw in the grated coconut making sure it is well coated.

7. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and sugar.

8. Serve with love and enjoy!

⚠️SUGGESTIONS:

1. To show the Filipino culture, you may use banana leaves to serve the palitaw in.  

2. ❤️ Tip: Make sure to scoop the palitaw right away after floating to the surface to prevent overcooking which is also a reason for a hard to chew palitaw. 

3. Always drain well so that the grated coconut will stick and coat well.

4. Do not put the toasted sesame and sugar until you are ready to serve since the sugar tends to dissolve and will ruin the palitaw if left on top for too long.