Puto-puti (rice cake) is super popular in the Philippines. Every region of the country has a different version of this beloved cake. Some ferment it before steaming, others use coconut milk; toppings range from grated coconut to grated cheese to even salted duck eggs. My recipe is closest to the classic version, which uses coconut milk and cheddar cheese toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1-1/4 cups rice flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk or coconut milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
Directions:
- Add water to your steamer and bring to a boil.
- In a bowl, add the rice flour, baking powder, and sugar and mix these together.
- Add the water and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Sieve the batter to make sure there are no more lumps.
- Pour into the mold and arrange in the steamer.
- Cover with lid and steam over medium high heat for 15 minutes (water should be rapidly boiling). Then turn the heat to medium low and steam for another 10 minutes.
- Brush with butter and sprinkle with grated cheese while hot. Enjoy!
Note:
The secret in making a fluffy rice cake is to cook it in rapidly boiling water until it puffs. Make sure you don’t open the lid while steaming, or your cake will collapse!
