Bibingka Galapong

Ingredients:

400 g (2 cups) uncooked rice
500 ml (2 cups) water
3 eggs
125 g (1/2 cup) sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus additional for brushing
250 ml (1 cup) thick coconut milk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 sheet banana leaf
250 g (8 oz) cottage cheese or cheddar cheese, grated

Cooking Procedure:

1. Soak rice in water overnight. Drain rice, reserving the liquid. In a blender or food processor, grind the rice finely, adding just enough of the reserved liquid so the mixture is not dry. Set aside for about 12 hours at room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 180ºC (350º F) Beat eggs in a bowl until foamy. Add sugar and butter until fluffy. Pour the coconut milk into the ground rice and mix well. Blend into the egg mixture, beating well until smooth. Add baking powder.
3. Wilt banana leaves by passing over an open flame for several seconds. Line 2 small baking dishes, or heatproof pans, about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter, with banana leaves. Brush banana leaves with butter. Pour mixture into the baking dishes, distributing evenly. Top with grated cheese and brush with butter again.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Serve hot with cheese on top and grated coconut flesh on the side.


Tips:

•Banana Leaves should be passed over an open flame for a few seconds before use to soften them, so that they do not crack when folded. Alternatively, dip the leaves in boiling water until they just start to soften. They are sold in rectangular sheets in provision shops, supermarket or the local market if you are in the Philippines. If banana leaves are not available substitute with wax paper.
•Thick Coconut Milk is obtained by grating the flesh of 1 coconut into bowl (this yields about 3 cups of coconut flesh) Add 1 cup water, knead thoroughly a few times, then squeeze the mixture firmly in your fist or strain in a cheese cloth. If using canned or packet coconut cream, you normally dilute it, adding 1 cup of water to 1 cup of canned or packet coconut cream to obtain thick coconut milk. This mixing ratio is only a general guide however. Different brands of packaged coconut cream vary in thickness, so follow the package instructions.