Sticky Rice with Gac Fruit

Step 1

Rinse the 2 cups sticky rice until water runs clear, then soak in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Drain well.

Step 2

In a bowl, mash the 0.5 cup gac fruit arils with 1 tbsp of the coconut milk to release the red color. Stir into the drained rice until evenly coated.

Step 3

In a small pot, heat the remaining 1 cup coconut milk, 3 tbsp palm sugar, and 0.5 tsp salt over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Pour over the rice and mix well.

Step 4

Line a steamer basket with the 2 banana leaves, leaving some overhang. Add the rice mixture, fold leaves over to cover. Steam over boiling water, covered, until rice is tender and glossy, about 20 minutes.

Step 5

Fluff the rice with a fork, then serve warm, optionally with extra coconut milk or sugar.