Gluten-free Puto Bunbong recipe

Puto Bumbang is a traditional Filipino dessert, often served during the Christmas season. This steamed purple rice cake, traditionally prepared in bamboo tubes (bumbongs), has a soft texture and a slightly sweet taste. The filling consists of shredded coconut, butter, and muscovado sugar. Naturally gluten-free thanks to its glutinous rice flour base, this dessert is a perfect option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Cooking method: Cook Expert, Traditional

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

For rice cakes:
200g of glutinous rice flour
50g of purple rice flour (or a few drops of purple food coloring or beetroot juice if unavailable)
100 ml of coconut milk
50 ml of water
1/4 tsp salt
For the topping:
100g of grated coconut, rehydrated if dry (or grated cheese for a Filipino version)
50g of melted butter ( or vegetable margarine)
50 g muscovado or brown sugar
For cooking:
Banana leaves (optional, for presentation)
Steamer or couscous pot

Preparation

1
To prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, purple rice flour, salt, coconut milk, and water. Mix until you have a thick, smooth dough. If you don't have purple rice flour, add a few drops of purple food coloring or beet juice to recreate the traditional Puto Bumbang color.
2
Forming the rolls: Take a small portion of dough (about a tablespoon) and shape it into a small roll or cylinder, about 8 to 10 cm long. Repeat until all the dough is used up.
3
Steaming: Heat water in a steamer or couscousier. Place the rolls on a rack or directly onto banana leaves or parchment paper in the steamer. Steam for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are tender and slightly translucent.
4
Presentation and garnish: Once cooked, place the Puto Bumbang on banana leaves for a traditional presentation. Brush them with melted butter for a beautiful shine. Sprinkle generously with shredded coconut and muscovado sugar or grated cheese for an even more authentic version.

Keywords: Filipino Puto Bombong recipe, gluten-free sticky rice cake recipe