Low Fat Suman (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)

Savor the delightful taste of tradition with this Low Fat Suman, a guilt-free twist on the beloved Filipino sticky rice cake. Made with glutinous rice, creamy low-fat coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness from granulated or coconut sugar, this recipe retains the authentic essence of suman while being lighter on calories. The rice is wrapped in aromatic banana leaves for a naturally earthy flavor, then steamed to perfection for a soft, chewy texture. Ideal as a snack or dessert, it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits or an extra drizzle of coconut milk. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this health-conscious treat brings a taste of the Philippines to your table, perfect for anyone seeking a balance of flavor and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1 cup low-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
• 8 sheets banana leaves (softened by briefly passing through heat)
• 8 pieces kitchen twine (optional, for tying)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the glutinous rice, low-fat coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Stir well.

Step 3

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice becomes sticky but not fully cooked. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4

Allow the partially cooked rice to cool slightly for easier handling.

Step 5

Prepare the banana leaves by passing them briefly over an open flame or a hot pan to make them pliable. Cut each leaf into rectangular sheets (about 8x10 inches).

Step 6

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the sticky rice mixture onto the center of each banana leaf. Shape the rice into a log, leaving enough space on both sides for folding.

Step 7

Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the rice, then tuck in the edges to form a snug, cylindrical wrap. Secure with kitchen twine if needed.

Step 8

Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer, ensuring they are not tightly packed to allow steam circulation.

Step 9

Steam the suman over medium heat for 40 minutes, or until the rice is completely cooked and firm.

Step 10

Remove the suman from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 11

Serve the suman warm or at room temperature. They pair well with fresh fruits or a drizzle of additional low-fat coconut milk if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1088.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	534.5

Total Fat 4.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2118.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 8.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 40.7mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 114.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 8.2%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 85.2%