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+ servings
Ginataang Bilo Bilo (Sticky Rice Balls in Coconut Milk)

Ginataang Bilo Bilo (Sticky Rice Balls in Coconut Milk)

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 6
Difficulty Intermediate

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour
  • 1 cup water for rice balls
  • 2-3 cups water for cooking
  • 2 cans 400ml each coconut milk or cream
  • cups cooked tapioca pearls
  • ¾ cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4 ripe plantain bananas saba, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup jackfruit strips fresh or canned
  • Optional: food coloring for colorful bilo bilo

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the sticky rice balls: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups glutinous rice flour with 1 cup water. Mix until it forms a soft, pliable dough. If desired, divide the dough and add food coloring to create colorful balls. Take small portions (about ½ tablespoon each) and roll between your palms to form smooth balls. Set aside.
  • Prepare the base: In a large pot, combine 2 cups water, coconut milk, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  • Cook the root crops: Add the sweet potato cubes to the coconut mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the plantain banana cubes and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
  • Add the bilo bilo: Once the sweet potatoes and bananas are almost tender, gently drop the sticky rice balls into the pot. Simmer for about 5 minutes until they float to the surface, which indicates they're fully cooked. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
  • Finish the dish: Add the jackfruit strips and cooked tapioca pearls. Let simmer for another 3-5 minutes until all ingredients are tender and the mixture has slightly thickened. Note that it will continue to thicken after removing from heat.
  • Serve: Enjoy Ginataang Bilo Bilo hot as a comforting snack on cool days, or refrigerate and serve cold during warmer weather.

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

  • For perfectly chewy bilo bilo: Make sure your dough isn't too wet or too dry. It should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more glutinous rice flour.
  • Creating colorful bilo bilo: Divide your dough into portions before adding food coloring. A little goes a long way - just a drop or two will give vibrant colors. Purple (ube) food coloring adds both color and flavor.
  • For the best coconut flavor: Use coconut cream instead of regular coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious texture and taste.
  • Tapioca pearl tip: Small tapioca pearls work best for this recipe. Pre-cooking them separately ensures they're perfectly transparent with no hard centers.
  • Sweetness adjustment: Filipino desserts tend to be quite sweet. Feel free to start with less sugar and adjust to your taste preference.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!