Sweet Sticky Rice with Durian and Coconut Milk Sauce
For the sweet sticky rice
3 cups sticky rice (Make sure you buy "sticky" rice or glutinous rice rather than normal long grain or jasmine rice.)
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup sugar
1-2 tsp salt, to taste
Soak the uncooked rice for at least three hours before cooking. Put the rice in a large bowl and cover with water up to about two inches over the rice.
I've seen people use all kinds of special implements to steam sticky rice. I've recently found the easiest and perhaps most perfect solution. I soak the rice grains, drain on a metal strainer--one of those with a little hook on one end and a handle on another so you can place it on top of a pot with it falling in. Then, place the strainer on top of a deep pot filled about a quarter of the way up with water. Put the lid over the the pot, turn the heat on high and bring the water to a boil. Continue to steam for 15-20, or until the rice grains are just al dente.
Make sure the boiling water doesn't touch the rice. You probably should start checking after about 15 minutes. The rice should be very nearly done, but not completely cooked through--similar to the texture of al dente pasta.
While the rice is steaming, heat the coconut milk in a medium pot. Add the sugar and salt and bring to a simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste the mixture. The sweetened coconut milk should be a little sweeter than what you want your finished sticky rice to be. You should also be able to taste the salt. Add more salt if needed. Keep this mixture heated, it must be hot when the rice is ready.
When the rice is ready, add it to the pot with coconut milk. Stir gently to mix well. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes so the rice completely absorb the coconut milk before serving.
For the durian and coconut milk sauce.
1 Durian
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup palm sugar, chopped
1/2-1 tsp of salt
In a medium pot, bring the coconut milk, salt and the palm sugar to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the durian flesh to the pot and stir gently. Bring the pot back to a simmer. Check the seasoning, you may need a bit more sugar or a bit more salt. Once done, remove from heat.
To serve, put a bit of the sweet sticky rice into a small bowl. Spoon some of the durian and coconut milk sauce over to sticky rice and serve.
