The taste and texture of cane sugar rice cake are distinctive and appealing. It has a pleasantly sweet flavour, with the depth and richness of the brown sugar adding a molasses-like aroma that is much more complex than that of white sugar.
The cane sugar rice cake is more than just a food item. it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and the desire for a prosperous future. Its significance during the Lunar New Year is a testament to its deep-rooted cultural importance, making it a cherished tradition that continues to bring families together year after year. The tradition of consuming cane sugar rice cake during the Lunar New Year is deeply embedded in various Asian cultures. This sweet, sticky rice cake holds a special place in the New Year festivities, symbolizing prosperity, growth, and the promise of a better year. Its significance and widespread consumption during the Lunar New Year are rooted in both tradition and symbolism, making it an indispensable part of the celebrations.
Ingredients
- Glutinous Rice Flour – 200g
- Wheat Starch – 75g
- Sugar Cane Sugar – 150g
- Water – 250ml
- Vegetable Oil – 30g and a little vegetable oil for greasing the cake pan
Direction
- Begin by sifting the glutinous rice flour and wheat starch. This ensures a smooth texture for your rice cake.
- In a pot, dissolve the cane sugar in water and bring it to a boil. Once fully dissolved, then turn off the heat. Allow it to cool down.
- Add vegetable oil into the mixture of the glutinous rice flour and wheat starch
- Gradually add the cooled sugar-water mixture to the flour blend, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Strain the batter to ensure its smoothness, then pour it into a greased cake pan.
- Wrap the cake pan with an aluminium foil to avoid the water dropping into the cake during the steaming
- Steam over high heat in a water bath for about 60 minutes. The steaming process will cook the cake thoroughly
- After steaming, let the cake cool and then refrigerate for at least three hours. This step is essential for the cake to harden, making it easier to slice and handle.
The cane sugar rice cake can be enjoyed after steaming. Or you can pan-fry them to make it as a very delicious snack.
