Kanom Khao Niao Aunchun, or Thai Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice, is a vibrant and visually stunning dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful. The naturally vibrant blue hue of the butterfly pea flower-infused sticky rice creates a striking contrast against the sweet coconut milk, resulting in a truly captivating culinary experience. This traditional Thai dessert is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and readily available pantry staples. Its delicate sweetness and unique color make it a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Beyond its captivating appearance, the creamy texture of the sticky rice and the rich flavor of the coconut milk create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving perfectly cooked sticky rice, beautifully colored and infused with the subtle floral notes of butterfly pea flowers. Ready to create this enchanting dessert yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your own Kanom Khao Niao Aunchun.
Tools Needed
- Brass pan
- Wooden spatula
- Steamer
- 8x8 inch tray
Ingredients
- Coconut cream (pressed)
- Pink salt
- Granulated sugar
- Sticky rice: 250 grams
- Butterfly pea flower water (concentrated)
- Black sesame seeds
- White sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Coconut Milk Base and Cook the Rice
- Heat a brass pan over medium heat. Add coconut cream, pink salt, and sugar. Stir gently until sugar dissolves.
- Steam sticky rice until cooked. While still hot, pour the steamed sticky rice into the hot coconut milk mixture.
Step 2. Infuse with Butterfly Pea Flower and Set
- Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, heat the pan again. Add concentrated butterfly pea flower water. Gently stir in the rice, ensuring the color permeates evenly. Continue stirring in the same direction until the rice starts to clump and come off the pan.
- Transfer the sticky rice mixture to an 8x8 inch tray and spread it evenly.
- Let the rice cool completely.
Step 3. Serve
- Once cool, cut the sticky rice into individual servings.
- Sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds.
Read more: Thai Custard with Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice Recipe
Tips
- Use pressed coconut cream without added water.
- Pink salt or sea salt can be used.
- Stir the coconut milk mixture slowly to prevent boiling.
- The recipe uses 250 grams of raw sticky rice.
- Stir the rice in the same direction to prevent breaking the grains.
- The beautiful color comes from the butterfly pea flower, no food coloring needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the butterfly pea flowers with something else?
While butterfly pea flowers provide the beautiful blue color, you can try other natural food colorings like purple sweet potato or even omit it altogether for a plain sticky rice dessert. The flavor will be slightly different.
2. How can I store leftover Kanom Khao Niao Aunchun?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
This vibrant and delicious Kanom Khao Niao Aunchun is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a stunning and memorable dessert. We hope you enjoyed making this beautiful and flavorful treat, and we encourage you to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. Enjoy the sweet reward of your culinary efforts!