This is one of my favorite kakanin or sum an (goodies). Suman or kakanin is not a dish my family would normally make unless it's for a special occasion. Cassava sum an is a classic Filipino snack or dessert.
Growing up, we had cassava suman on holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. My family would make them in huge quantities to share with family and friends. If you're feeling a little adventurous, you can buy the cassava, peel and grate them. But if you're like me, I just buy the grated cassava, grated young coconut and coconut milk at the Asian store. They're usually in the freezer section.
Ingredients
For the Cassava Roll or Suman
1 grated young coconut
2 (1lb. or 454g) frozen grated cassava, thawed
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Make sure to squeeze the water out of the thawed cassava. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them until they are evenly distributed.
Make sure to squeeze the water out of the thawed cassava. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them until they are evenly distributed.
For the coconut filling
1 cup grated coconut
½ brown sugar
Note: Adjust the heat to low if needed. Sugar is not good if it’s burnt.
Make the crunchy coconut filling. Mix grated coconut and brown sugar (I used 1/2 cup of raw organic honey and 1/2 cup of brown sugar) in a pan, and cook it over medium heat for 10 minutes.
Make the crunchy coconut filling. Mix grated coconut and brown sugar (I used 1/2 cup of raw organic honey and 1/2 cup of brown sugar) in a pan, and cook it over medium heat for 10 minutes.
Stir frequently to allow for a more evenly toasted finished product. This technique brings out a richer, nuttier flavor and adds more depth to this delicious snack.
Note: Adjust the heat to low if needed. Sugar is not good if it’s burnt.
Now, prepare the banana leaves. Trim banana leaves into about 6 inches length.Make sure to trim off the edges or hard part. Put the leaves over low flame on your gas stove - as seen below and wipe with a clean towel.
Now, prepare the banana leaves. Trim banana leaves into about 6 inches length.Make sure to trim off the edges or hard part. Put the leaves over low flame on your gas stove - as seen below and wipe with a clean towel.
Place wilted banana leaf on a flat surface. Place about 3 tablespoons of the cassava mixture in the middle of the leaf, place 1 heaped teaspoon of the crunchy coconut.
Carefully wrap the mixture by rolling it loosely. With the seam on top, fold both sides under.
Carefully wrap the mixture by rolling it loosely. With the seam on top, fold both sides under.
Line the unused banana leaf in a pot. Place the rolls in a pot with lid; add water up to the top most wrapped cassava mixture. Steam for 1 hour until the cassava is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy!
You can freeze the leftover. To reheat, you can re-steam or simply place in the microwave.
You can freeze the leftover. To reheat, you can re-steam or simply place in the microwave.
Posted in Filipino Cuisine, Snack