Palitaw

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups mochiko sweet rice flour (about 11 ounces), plus more for rolling
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon ube extract (optional)
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place 1/4 cup white sesame seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and light golden brown, 2 to 5 minutes.
2. Transfer to a mortar and pestle, let cool, and coarsely crush. (Alternatively, let cool in the frying pan, then transfer to a zip top bag and coarsely crush with a rolling pin.) Transfer to a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and stir to combine.
3. Place 2 cups mochiko sweet rice flour and 1 cup water in a large bowl and knead until a smooth and pliable dough is formed (the mixture may look dry at first, but keep kneading until it comes together), 1 to 2 minutes.
4. For an optional ube variation: Divide the dough in half. Add 1/4 teaspoon ube extract to one half and knead with gloved hands until evenly colored.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With mochiko-floured hands, divide the dough into 12 pieces (about 2 generous tablespoons each), and roll each portion into a ball. Place on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Flatten each ball with your palm into a 2-inch wide disc.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, place 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut in a shallow bowl.
7. Cook the discs in 3 batches: Add the discs one at a time to the boiling water and cook until they float to the top, about 4 minutes Using a slotted spoon, return the cakes to the baking sheet and gently blot up some of the moisture with paper towels (do not pat completely dry).
8. Place the cakes in the coconut one at a time, tossing until well coated all over. Place on a serving dish in a single layer and sprinkle with the sesame seed and sugar mixture.

RECIPE NOTES

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.