Easy Puto Bumbong (no bamboo steamer needed)

Puto Bumbong is one of the signs that Christmas is near. Outside churches starting at early dawn, vendors line up waiting for churchgoers to finish hearing mass. It became a tradition for people to stop by and buy puto bumbong (and bibingka) before heading back home. Usually, it’s served with salabat (ginger tea) or coffee.

Simbang Gabi is a devotional nine-day novena mass practiced by a lot of Filipinos. It was started by the Spanish friars during the time when Spain colonized the Philippines. Masses were heard at dawn (as early as 4am) so the farmers can go to mass before going to the fields to work. It’s believed (and a lot attest to it) that whatever you are praying for will come true after completing the novena masses.

Puto Bumbong (no bamboo steamer needed)

Pam from Pinoybites.com

A purple-hued rice cake that’s a big part of the Filipino Christmas tradition.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Filipino

Equipment

• cheese grater
• steamer
• Aluminium foil (4×6 inches), several pieces for steaming
• Banana leaves (for serving)

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• ½ cup rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons ube flavoring or 1 teaspoon violet food color * see notes
• Butter softened (for brushing)
• Muscovado coconut or dark brown sugar (topping)
• Grated coconut topping
• Grated cheese with Condensed milk alternative topping, optional***
• Canola oil or oil cooking spray for brushing foil

Instructions

 

• Combine water and ube flavoring (or 1 teaspoon violet food coloring). Slowly add to the flour and mix well (using clean hands) until it forms a dough. Pass through the holes of a fine grater. If your dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
• Prepare foil pieces and brush with oil. Gently place about 3 heaping tablespoons of grated dough on the prepared foil. Form into a long log. Do not pack for faster and even cooking.
• Pick it up as you would a taco. Fold and pinch the edges (log ends) to seal but leave the top open. When done, arrange in a steamer, leaving a bit of space between pieces to give room for the steam to evenly cook the puto bumbong.
• Steam for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a clean banana leaf and brush generously with softened butter. Top with grated coconut and sugar. Alternatively, you can use grated cheese and condensed milk. Serve hot.

Notes

*I steamed mine in 3 batches because I don’t have a big steamer.

**Refrigerate leftovers. To warm, transfer to a microwavable dish and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until warmed through.

***Alternatively, you can use banana leaves (brushed with butter) to wrap the dough.

Keyword puto bumbong, salabat, simbang gabi