Black Kutsinta (Molasses Rice Cake)
A modern Filipino delicacy featuring blackstrap molasses, topped with dulce de leche and toasted coconut
Equipment
- Steamer (Kalan na Pang-steam) for cooking the kutsinta
- 24 kutsinta/puto molds traditional small cups for shaping
- Large mixing bowl (Malaking mangkok) for combining ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons (Panukat) for accurate measurements
- Non-stick pan (kawali) for toasting coconut
- Deep pot (Malalim na Kaldero) for making dulce de leche
- Clean kitchen cloth (Malinis na Tela) to prevent water droplets during steaming
- Whisk or wooden spoon (Sandok na Kahoy) for mixing batter
- Oil spray bottle (Pang-spray) for greasing molds
Ingredients
For the Black Kutsinta:
- 1 cup tapioca starch galapong
- 1 cup all-purpose flour regular na harina
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- 2 teaspoon lye water
- 2 cups water tubig
- Oil spray for greasing molds pangspray na mantika
For the Dulce de Leche Topping:
- 400 g can condensed milk kondensadang gatas
For the Toasted Coconut Topping:
- 1½ cups desiccated coconut niyog
Instructions
- First, prepare your workspace by greasing 24 kutsinta molds with oil spray and setting up your steamer with water. Place a clean kitchen cloth under the steamer lid to catch any water droplets, then bring the water to a simmer.
- Start the dulce de leche since it takes the longest. Place an unopened can of condensed milk in a deep pot and cover it completely with water, making sure there's at least 2 inches of water above the can. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Remember to maintain the water level. Once done, remove carefully and let it cool completely before opening.
- While the dulce de leche cooks, make your kutsinta batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup tapioca starch and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Add ¾ cup dark brown sugar and mix well. Pour in 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses and 2 teaspoons lye water. Gradually add 2 cups water while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep mixing until your batter is smooth. Don't worry that it looks brown – it will darken when cooked.
- Pour the batter into your greased molds, filling each about 80% full. Place them in your prepared steamer and steam at medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the steamer and let them cool completely before removing from the molds.
- While the kutsinta cools, make the coconut topping. Put 1½ cups desiccated coconut in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Toast it while stirring constantly until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Take it off the heat right away to prevent burning and let it cool.
- Once everything has cooled, carefully remove the kutsinta from their molds. Top each piece with a spoonful of the cooled dulce de leche, then sprinkle with toasted coconut. Serve right away or store in an airtight container if serving later.
- Remember: The kutsinta will be very soft when hot but will firm up as it cools, so be patient before unmolding. If you're making this ahead, store the kutsinta, dulce de leche, and toasted coconut separately and assemble just before serving.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- Always use blackstrap molasses for authentic taste and natural black color
- Keep the steaming temperature consistent for even cooking
- Don't skip the cloth under the lid - it prevents water droplets from making the kutsinta soggy
- Let kutsinta cool completely before unmolding to maintain shape
- Toast coconut in small batches for better control
- Make dulce de leche a day ahead to save time
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve as merienda (afternoon snack) with hot tea or coffee
- Present on banana leaves for traditional Filipino style
- Offer as dessert after main meals
- Include in Filipino dessert tables or festivities
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Kutsinta is too soft:
- Steam for additional 2-3 minutes
- Ensure water is at a steady simmer
- Kutsinta sticks to molds:
- Grease molds more thoroughly
- Let cool completely before unmolding
- Uneven color:
- Mix batter more thoroughly
- Maintain consistent steaming temperature
Ingredient Alternatives
- Tapioca starch: Rice flour (galapong)
- Blackstrap molasses: Cannot be substituted for authentic taste
- Lye water: Baking soda (1½ tsp) mixed with water
- Dark brown sugar: Muscovado sugar
- Desiccated coconut: Freshly grated coconut (toast until dry)
Storage & Reheating
- Room temperature: Up to 24 hours in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Reheat: Steam for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds
Variations
- Mini Black Kutsinta:
- Use smaller molds
- Reduce steaming time to 10 minutes
- Black Kutsinta Bites:
- Cut into smaller pieces
- Serve with dulce de leche as dip
- Modern Presentation:
- Layer in glass cups with dulce de leche
- Add crushed graham crackers
FAQs
Q: Why use blackstrap molasses instead of food coloring? A: Blackstrap molasses provides both natural color and distinctive flavor that food coloring cannot replicate. Q: Can I make this in advance? A: Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Store at room temperature and add toppings before serving. Q: Why isn't my kutsinta as black as others? A: The darkness depends on your molasses brand. Focus on taste rather than color intensity. Q: Can I skip the lye water? A: While not recommended, you can substitute with baking soda solution, but texture might differ slightly. Q: How do I prevent my kutsinta from becoming soggy? A: Use a cloth under the steamer lid and allow to cool completely before adding toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
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