Suman / Bico

BICO / SUMAN 

AUTHENTIC FILIPINO 

SWEETS DELICACY 

Suman, a beloved Filipino sticky rice cake, combines glutinous rice and rich coconut milk, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. This traditional delicacy, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, can be topped with sweet latik for an extra touch of indulgence. Simple yet flavorful, suman is a perfect representation of Filipino culinary heritage.

Discover a traditional Filipino dessert with a modern twist! Learn how to make Bico (also known as Suman), a delicious sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice and coconut milk. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for baking Bico in the oven, offering a convenient alternative to the traditional steaming method. Find out what ingredients and utensils are needed, how to prepare banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping, and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Enjoy this beloved Filipino delicacy with ease using your oven!

Here are the utensils and tools you'll need to prepare and bake Bico (Suman) in the oven:

Utensils and Tools:

1. Large Mixing Bowl: For washing and soaking the glutinous rice.
2. Colander: For draining the washed rice.
3. Large Pot: For cooking the rice mixture.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the rice mixture while it cooks.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
6. Banana Leaves or Aluminum Foil: For wrapping the suman.
7. Scissors or Knife: For cutting the banana leaves or aluminum foil into pieces.
8. Damp Cloth: For wiping the banana leaves.
9. Open Flame (optional): For passing the banana leaves over to make them pliable.
10. Baking Dish or Baking Sheet: For arranging the wrapped suman.
11. Aluminum Foil: For covering the baking dish to trap steam.
12. Oven: For baking the suman.
13. Tongs: For handling the hot wrapped suman.
14. Cooling Rack: For cooling the suman slightly before serving.

Additional Tools (Optional):

1. Kitchen Twine or Banana Leaf Strips: For tying the suman packages if needed.
2. Serving Platter: For presenting the suman when serving.

Instructions Recap:

1. Prepare the Banana Leaves: Wipe, cut, and make pliable over an open flame.
2. Cook the Rice Mixture: Combine rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a pot; cook until half-done.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
4. Wrap the Suman: Place rice mixture on banana leaves or foil, wrap securely.
5. Bake: Arrange wrapped suman in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes.
6. Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

With these utensils and tools, you'll be well-equipped to make delicious Bico (Suman) in your oven!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (malagkit rice)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Lemon Zest (optional)
• Banana leaves (for wrapping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the banana leaves:

• Wipe the banana leaves with a dump cloth to clean.
• Pass the leaves quickly over and flame to make them pliable, but be careful not to Burn them.
• Cut the leaves into pieces around 8 x 10” for wrapping the sumak.

2. Cooking the rice:

• Wash the glutinous rice until the water runs clear.
• In a large pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well.
• Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the rice is half-cooked and the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The rice should still be slightly wet and sticky.

3. Wrapping the Suman:

• Place a portion of the half-cooked rice mixture in the center of each banana leaf piece (about 2-3 tablespoons).
• Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice, then fold the ends to form a secure package. You can use kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf to tie the suman if needed.

4. Steaming the Suman:

• Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer, seam side down.
• Steam over medium-high heat for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
• Remove the suman from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving.

5.Serving:

• Suman is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve it as is, or with a side of sugar, latik (coconut caramel), or fresh grated coconut.

Tips: 

• Ensure that the rice is not fully cooked before wrapping, as it will continue to cook and absorb moisture while steaming.
• If banana leaves are not available, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper as substitutes for wrapping, though the flavor imparted by banana leaves is traditional and unique.

Enjoy your homemade Bico (Suman)!

For Baking Method (jump to step #3)

3. Preheating the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Wrapping the Suman:

• Place a portion of the half-cooked rice mixture in the center of each banana leaf piece (about 2-3 tablespoons).
• Fold the sides of the leaf over the rice, then fold the ends to form a secure package. If using aluminum foil, wrap the rice mixture similarly to make secure packages.

5. Baking the Suman:

• Arrange the wrapped suman in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, seam side down.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

6. Serving:

• Remove the suman from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
• Suman is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve it as is, or with a side of sugar, latik (coconut caramel), or fresh grated coconut.

Tips:

• Ensure that the rice is not fully cooked before wrapping, as it will continue to cook and absorb moisture while baking.
• Covering the baking dish with foil is crucial to prevent the suman from drying out.
• If banana leaves are not available, aluminum foil works well, but banana leaves impart a traditional and unique flavor.

Enjoy your oven-baked Bico (Suman)!