Friday, June 15, 2007

Thai custard with pumpkin (Sangkhayaa fak thawng)

Ingredients :
1 small pumpkin (about 200 grams)
4 eggs
1/2 cup coconut cream
3/4 cup palm sugar
pandanus leaves, cut into 6" length
Special utensil : a steamer, cheesecloth
Method :
1. Remove the seeds and membrane.
2. Knead the egg, sugar and coconut cream with the pandanus leaves until well combined.
3. Place a pumpkin in a bow, fill with the egg mixture. Leave about 1" from the edge.
4. Steam the pumpkin for 30-45 minutes or until cooked through.
Secret tips :
- Clean the pumpkin skin, use a sharp knife to cut off around the stem to make a lid. Scoop out the seeds and membrane, clean both sides thoroughly and drain.
- Break the eggs into a mixing bowl, add sugar and coconut cream. Crumple the mixture with pandanus leaves until sugar is dissolved. Strain through cheesecloth, and set aside.
- Place the pumpkin in a bowl, fill with the egg mixture. Put the stuffed pumpkin in steamer with the lid on the side and steam over boiling water on medium heat for 30-45 minutes or until done. Remove from the heat. To serve : cut the pumpkin into wedges about 3" thick and serve.