A new recipe every week

Filipino merienda favorite

Palitaw

Soft, chewy rice cakes coated with fresh coconut, toasted sesame seeds, and muscovado sugar.

Makes 12Prep: 20 minutesCook: 15 minutes
Palitaw on a mint-green scalloped plate on Maria's breakfast bar

How to make Palitaw

1

Make the dough

Combine rice flour and water gradually until a smooth, pliable dough forms.

2

Shape

Divide into 12 pieces. Roll into balls and flatten each into a small oval.

3

Boil

Drop a few pieces into gently boiling water. When they float, cook for 1 minute more.

4

Coat

Lift out with a slotted spoon, drain briefly, and coat immediately with grated coconut.

5

Finish

Mix sugar, sesame seeds, and salt. Sprinkle generously over the palitaw before serving.

Maria’s tip: Add water to the dough little by little; it should be soft but not sticky.
Food safety: Serve fresh and refrigerate leftovers promptly because of the fresh coconut.