Recipe: Sticky rice with mangoes

Total time: 35 to 50 minutes, plus soaking times for the rice

Servings: 6

Note: This recipe is adapted from one by Nancie McDermott in her book “Real Vegetarian Thai.” She recommends the slender Thai oke loeng mangoes, which are unavailable here, but vendor Lampai Poomsuke finds Manila mangoes equally delicious. Long-grain sticky rice, also called glutinous or sweet rice, can be found at most Asian markets. Two good brands of canned coconut milk are Mae Ploy (which is creamier) and Chao Koh (which has a delightful natural sweetness). Both are widely available in our Asian markets. This recipe calls for a Thai bamboo steamer, available at Thai markets and many Asian markets; a regular steamer can be substituted, but its use will affect the final texture of the rice and the time it takes to cook. Tua tong (mung bean centers) are a traditional garnish; toast a handful in a small skillet until lightly browned. Tua tong are available at Asian markets.

1 1/2 cups long-grain raw sticky rice

2 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk, divided

1 cup sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

Ripe, sweet mangoes for garnish, peeled and sliced

Tua tong (mung bean centers), toasted, for garnish

1. Prepare the rice: Soak the rice in water to cover for at least 3 hours, up to overnight. (The longer the rice soaks, the less time it will take to steam.)

2. Drain the rice and transfer to a bamboo steaming basket designed for cooking sticky rice suspended over a pot of boiling water. (Alternatively, steam the rice in a cheesecloth-lined steamer basket or colander suspended over boiling water. Place the rice in an even layer in the steamer basket for even steaming.)

3. Wait for the steam to begin rising through the rice, then cover the rice with a damp, thin kitchen towel, folded to completely cover the rice. Gently cover the rice (do not press down the towel) and reduce the heat to maintain a steady flow of steam. Have a pot or kettle of simmering water on the side to add as necessary to maintain the water for steaming. Steam the rice until it swells, glistens and can be molded into small, cohesive balls; the rice will be just tender (be careful not to overcook). Cooking time will vary from about 25 to 40 minutes depending on the cooking vessel and soaking time for the rice.

4. While the rice is cooking, combine 2 cups of the coconut milk in a saucepan with the sugar and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a heat-proof cup or bowl. Set aside.

5. In the same pan, heat the remaining coconut milk to a gentle boil. Add the remaining salt and continue to cook and gently stir for about 3 minutes or until coconut milk thickens slightly. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof cup or bowl. Set aside.

6. Turn out the steamed rice into a large bowl. Pour the sweetened coconut milk over it and stir gently but well to incorporate thoroughly. Loosely cover the bowl and set aside, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is absorbed by the rice, 30 minutes to an hour. This makes a scant 4 cups rice.

7. Serve the rice slightly warm or at room temperature. Mound the sticky rice into each of 6 serving bowls or plates and garnish with sliced mango and toasted tua tong, if using.

Each serving: 505 calories; 6 grams protein; 82 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 19 grams fat; 16 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 982 mg. sodium.