Jump-start your day with Puto Maya and Sikwate! This Cebuana combination of sticky rice cake with juicy mangoes and hot chocolate is a delicious and filling treat for breakfast or any time of the day.
What is Puto maya at sikwate
- Puto Maya is a type of sticky rice cake that originated in Cebu. It’s made of steamed glutinous rice, fresh ginger juice, and sweetened coconut milk. It’s usually served wrapped in banana leaves in triangle or round shapes with slices of juicy ripe mangoes on the side.
- Sikwate is the Cebuano version of hot chocolate or the tsokolate de batirol. It is prepared by adding tablea (cocoa tablets) and brown sugar into a pot of boiling water and stirring it until combined and fully dissolved.
What you’ll need
- Glutinous rice– or locally known as malagkit. You can use white sticky rice (pilit) or in combination with black sticky rice (tapol)
- Coconut milk
- Fresh ginger juice– adds a refreshing, peppery flavor; you can use ginger juice or fresh ginger slices.
- Sugar– adds a touch of sweetness
- Salt– balances the sweet
- Tablea– roasted ground pure cacao
- Brown sugar– sweetens the hot chocolate
Making the sikwate
- If tablea is not available, you can use Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder as a substitute.
- Use milk instead of water for a richer and creamier taste.
Making the puto maya
- Soak the glutinous rice in water for an hour to ensure fast and even cooking.
- If your steamer basket has big holes, line it with cheesecloth to prevent the rice grains from going through the holes.
Two methods to cook the sticky rice
- On the stovetop or rice cooker– easier and quicker method
- In the steamer– the traditional method; requires more work but results in better texture and taste
Serving suggestions
- Pack the steamed rice cake into a small bowl while it is still hot to hold its shape. Invert on a serving plate and serve with sikwate and ripe mangoes.
- To wrap in banana leaves, cut the banana leaves into 4×7 inches strips and fold them into a cone shape. While still hot, spoon the puto maya into the coned banana leaves and form them into triangles.
How to store
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note that the sticky rice dries and hardens when cold.
- To reheat, steam the puto in a steamer for about 5 minutes or warm in a microwave for about 30 to 40 seconds or until soft.
