Malaysian Pulut Inti (Print Version)
Sweet coconut topping on tender steamed glutinous rice, wrapped in banana leaves for authentic Malaysian flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Glutinous Rice
01 - 1 cup glutinous rice, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
02 - 2/3 cup coconut milk
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1–2 drops natural blue pea flower extract (optional, for blue color)
→ For the Coconut Topping (Inti)
05 - 1 cup grated fresh coconut (white part only)
06 - 1/2 cup palm sugar (gula Melaka), chopped
07 - 1/4 cup water
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 pandan leaf, knotted (optional)
→ For Wrapping (Optional)
10 - Banana leaves, cut into 8 squares (about 6 x 6 inches), softened in hot water
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Drain the soaked rice and place in a heatproof bowl. Add coconut milk, salt, and blue pea flower extract if using. Mix well to combine.
02 - Steam the rice over high heat for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking, until the grains are tender and sticky. Set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a saucepan, combine palm sugar, water, and pandan leaf. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove the pandan leaf.
04 - Add grated coconut and salt to the sugar syrup. Stir constantly over low heat for 5–8 minutes until the coconut mixture is moist but not watery. Remove from heat and let cool.
05 - Place a portion of glutinous rice (about 2 tablespoons) onto a banana leaf square. Flatten slightly, then top with a generous spoonful of the coconut topping. Fold the banana leaf to enclose the filling, leaving the top open for a traditional look. Repeat for remaining portions.
06 - Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. If banana leaves are unavailable, serve on a small plate or use parchment paper for wrapping.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of tender sticky rice and fragrant sweet coconut creates an irresistible texture contrast
- Wrapping them in banana leaves adds an authentic touch that makes each packet feel like a special gift
02 -
- Overcooking the coconut topping makes it dry and crumbly, so watch it closely
- The rice should be warm but not hot when assembling, otherwise the coconut melts too quickly
03 -
- Toast your banana leaves briefly over a gas flame to make them more flexible and aromatic
- The blue pea flower color makes these absolutely stunning for special occasions