Home

Sticky rice

17/11/2023

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, is a dish typical of Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Lao. Although it is not an Italian dish, I will propose the classic version and then, if you wish, I can suggest an Italian touch.

Ingredients for preparing traditional Sticky Rice:

  • 2 cups of glutinous rice
  • Water for soaking
  • A pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Start by placing the glutinous rice in a large bowl and cover it completely with fresh water. Leave it to soak for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This step serves to soften the rice grains and ensure that they cook evenly.

  2. Drain the soaking water and rinse the rice until the water runs clear, to remove the excess starch.

  3. Prepare your steaming basket. The traditional method uses a bamboo basket specifically designed for cooking sticky rice. Line the basket with a clean cloth, add the rice, and cover it with the cloth’s edges.

  4. Bring water to a boil in a pot that can support the basket, making sure that the water does not touch the rice. Once the water boils, place the basket with the rice on top and cover it with a lid (or with the top of the bamboo basket if available).

  5. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, then turn it over to ensure even cooking. After turning the rice, cook it for another 15-20 minutes, or until it is soft but still slightly al dente.

  6. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a bowl and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be seasoned with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

If you want an Italian touch, you could try adding fresh basil or rosemary to the steam during cooking for an unusual but pleasant combination of flavors.

Curiosity

The term “sticky” comes from the fact that the rice, due to its high starch content (particularly amylose), becomes very sticky once cooked, allowing it to be easily eaten with hands or chopsticks in the traditions of Southeast Asia. Moreover, it is often served with ripe mangoes and a sweet sauce made from coconut milk, to create a much-appreciated sweet-salty contrast.