ขนมจันอับงาดำ

ขนมจันอับงาดำ — Black Sesame Thai Steamed Cakes for Home Cooks

Introduction

ขนมจันอับงาดำ is a traditional-style Thai steamed sweet featuring a fragrant black sesame filling wrapped in a soft rice-based dough. This beginner-friendly recipe breaks down each step so home cooks can recreate the nutty, slightly sweet dessert at home. The texture is tender and slightly chewy, with deep sesame flavor—perfect to enjoy with tea or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients for ขนมจันอับงาดำ

• For the black sesame filling:
  • 100 g black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
  • 70–90 g palm sugar or brown sugar, finely chopped or grated
  • 1–2 tbsp coconut milk (to bind)
  • Pinch of salt
• For the outer dough:
  • 200 g glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour)
  • 50 g rice flour (optional for slightly lighter texture)
  • 250 ml coconut milk (full fat preferred)
  • 40–60 g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
• For assembling and steaming:
  • Banana leaves (cut into 8–10 cm squares) or small heatproof ramekins/baking cups
  • Oil or melted coconut oil for brushing (if using banana leaves or ramekins)
  • Water for steaming

Instructions to Make ขนมจันอับงาดำ

1. Toast and grind sesame: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast black sesame seeds, stirring constantly until fragrant (about 3–5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and let cool, then grind to a coarse or fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
2. Make the filling: In a small saucepan, combine the ground sesame, palm/brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1–2 tablespoons coconut milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes together into a thick paste (2–4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. If the paste is too dry, add a little more coconut milk; if too wet, cook a touch longer.
3. Prepare the dough batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour, rice flour (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in coconut milk while stirring until you get a smooth, pourable batter with no lumps. The consistency should be like light pancake batter; adjust with a little extra coconut milk or a small splash of water if too thick.
4. Prepare steaming setup: Lightly oil banana leaf squares or ramekins. If using banana leaves, warm them briefly over a flame or hot water to make them pliable. Place them in a steamer tray arranged to hold batter and filling.
5. Assemble cakes: Pour about 1–2 tablespoons of batter into each banana leaf cup or ramekin to form a base. Add about 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) of the black sesame filling in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of batter to enclose the filling. Smooth the top gently.
6. Steam: Bring water in a steamer pot to a steady simmer. Arrange the filled cups on the steamer rack, cover, and steam over medium heat for 12–15 minutes (steam time may vary with size). The cakes are done when the dough is set and slightly translucent on top.
7. Cool and release: Remove from steamer and allow ขนมจันอับงาดำ to cool for 5–10 minutes so they firm up slightly. Gently release from banana leaves or ramekins. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips for Perfect ขนมจันอับงาดำ

– Toast sesame seeds slowly and evenly for the best aroma—watch closely so they don’t burn. Crushing or grinding them while still slightly warm helps release oils and flavor.

– If you prefer a smoother filling, grind the toasted sesame seeds very fine and mix with a bit more coconut milk.

– For a lighter outer texture, add the optional rice flour or reduce glutinous rice flour slightly. For chewier texture, use only glutinous rice flour.

– Steaming time depends on size—smaller cakes need less time. Avoid over-steaming to prevent the dough from becoming gluey.

– If you don’t have banana leaves, use small silicone molds or lightly oiled ramekins; line with parchment for easy removal.

– Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave (brief bursts) to restore softness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per piece)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. This estimate assumes 12 pieces per batch.

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
• Fat: ~6 g (mainly from coconut milk and sesame)
• Protein: ~2 g
• Fiber: ~1 g (from sesame)

Conclusion

ขนมจันอับงาดำ is a delightful, approachable Thai dessert that highlights the rich, nutty flavor of black sesame wrapped in a tender rice-based dough. With simple ingredients and straightforward steaming, this treat is perfect for beginners and home cooks looking to explore traditional Thai sweets. Try this recipe, adapt the sweetness to your liking, and enjoy the comforting aroma and texture of ขนมจันอับงาดำ at home.