Palitaw Recipe

Palitaw is a Filipino afternoon snack or ‘merienda’ that consist mainly of glutinous rice coated with grated coconut and sugar and sometimes roasted sesame seeds. This flattened sweet rice cake is very chewy and really filling but the best part is, it is really easy to make.    This Palitaw recipe is as easy as it can get because I used glutinous rice flour that is readily available in Asian stores. Back in the days, I remember my Mama had to go to the wet market or ‘palengke’ to buy glutinous rice and have it grinded there as well. I am not sure if this is still done back home, will have to ask my Mama.  Once  the glutinous rice is grinded it would look like a white dough and all that is need to be done is form them into small balls and flatten them before dropping them in boiling water, but since I am using glutinous rice flour, I needed to add some water, or in this case I used coconut milk, to add a bit more flavor. 

I find Palitaw to be a funny thing. The word ‘palitaw’ means ‘to surface’ and it was named so because once the flattened glutinous rice dough surfaces to the top of the boiling water where it is cooked, it means it done. Once cooked they are rolled in a mixture of grated coconut and sugar, and if desired, sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. If you’ve read my post on Pichi-pitchi, you’ll know that freshly grated coconut is next to impossible to find here in Germany and you will also learn about my secret: I use desiccated coconut and add some water (or in this case, again, a mixture of coconut milk and water) to it and it works perfectly!  

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5 from 4 votes

Palitaw Recipe

Palitaw is a Filipino afternoon snack or 'merienda' that consist mainly of glutinous rice coated with grated coconut and sugar and sometimes roasted sesame seeds. This flattened sweet rice cake  is very chewy and really filling but the best part is, it is really easy to make.    

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Print Rate

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Asian,Filipino

Keyword: palitaw

Servings: 10

Calories: 75kcal

Author: Bebs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

US Customary - Metric

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup water - or cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut - (grated)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 cup sesame seeds - (roasted) - (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and water and mix into a soft, pliable dough. If too soft or sticky add some more g. rice flour, a tablespoon at a time. If a piece of dough is cracking when flattened, then add a bit of water.
• Form small balls, each an inch in diameter. Then flatten the balls to a quarter-inch thickness by pressing them in between your palms.
• In a pot or deep pan over medium-high heat, bring about 5-inch deep of water into a rolling boil.
• Gently drop each flattened dough into the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot. When the pieces float to the surface, remove from water using a slotted spoon and drain well.
• When cool enough to handle, roll in a plate of mixed sugar and coconut and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

RECIPE NOTES

If using desiccated coconut: In a bowl, add about a quarter cup of water to half a cup of desiccated coconut and mix really well. Make it ahead of time, like 30 minutes earlier so it can sit for a couple of minutes to absorb the liquid, make sure to mix from time to time. Adjust the measurements as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Palitaw Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 75 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 37mg1%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 0g0%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 19mg2%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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