Singapore - Sweet Coconut Rice Balls (Klepon)

Sweet Coconut Rice Balls 

(Klepon)

Ingredients

-       1½ cups glutinous powder

-       ¾ cup lukewarm water

-       2-3 drops green food coloring

-       8 tsp. grated Java dark brown sugar

-       1 cup fresh-grated coconut, mixed with ½ tsp. salt

Directions

-       Mix the rice powder with the lukewarm water and green food coloring into a firm but flexible dough.

-       Pull off one full teaspoon of the dough and shape it into a ball with approximately 1-inch in diameter.

-       Push a finger into the center of the ball to make a hole, and put in approximately ½ tsp. of the grated sugar.

-       Seal, and roll it back into the ball shape with the palms of your hands.

-       Prepare all the balls and set them aside.

-       Prepare a pot half filled with water and bring it to a boil.

-       Drop the balls into the boiling water.

-       Remove the balls with a spoon once they float to the water surface and then roll the balls in the grated coconut.

-       Serve at room temperature.

-       Makes 30 rice balls.