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Filipino merienda favorite

Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

A creamy coconut merienda with chewy rice balls, saba bananas, sweet potato, jackfruit, and sago.

Serves 6Prep: 25 minutesCook: 30 minutes
Ginataang bilo-bilo in a coral-red shallow bowl on Maria's breakfast bar

How to make Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

1

Shape the bilo-bilo

Mix glutinous rice flour with water gradually until a soft dough forms. Roll into small balls.

2

Start the coconut base

Combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in a wide pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3

Cook the firm ingredients

Add sweet potato and simmer for 8 minutes. Add saba and cook for 4 minutes more.

4

Add the rice balls

Drop in the bilo-bilo one at a time. Simmer until they float and are cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

5

Finish

Stir in jackfruit and cooked sago. Simmer for 3 minutes and serve warm.

Maria’s tip: Keep the coconut milk at a gentle simmer so it stays smooth.
Food safety: Glutinous rice balls are very hot inside; allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving children.