Ginataang Bilo-Bilo: Filipino Coconut Milk Dessert with Glutinous Rice Balls
Ginataang Bilo-Bilo: Filipino Coconut Milk Dessert with Glutinous Rice Balls
Contents
Ginataang bilo-bilo is a traditional Filipino dessert featuring chewy glutinous rice balls (bilo-bilo) cooked in rich coconut milk with root crops like sweet potatoes, bananas, and sometimes jackfruit or tapioca pearls. It’s served warm as a comforting snack or dessert, especially popular during rainy weather.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- ½ cup water (for rice balls)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water (for cooking)
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium sweet potato (kamote), cubed
- 1 ripe plantain banana (saba), sliced
- ½ cup cooked tapioca pearls (sago)
- ½ cup ripe jackfruit (langka), shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Make rice balls: Mix glutinous rice flour with water until a dough forms. Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Cook sweet potatoes: In a pot, boil sweet potatoes in coconut milk and water for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add bananas and sugar: Stir in plantain bananas and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add rice balls: Drop rice balls into the pot. Cook for 10–15 minutes until they float.
- Final additions: Add cooked sago and jackfruit (if using). Simmer for 2 more minutes. Serve warm.
Tips
- Texture: For chewier rice balls, use less water in the dough.
- Variations: Add ube (purple yam) for color or swap coconut milk with coconut cream for richness.
- Storage: Reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ginataang bilo-bilo ahead of time?
Yes, but the rice balls may absorb more liquid. Reheat gently and adjust consistency with coconut milk.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, if using pure glutinous rice flour (check labels for additives).
What’s the difference between ginataang bilo-bilo and halo-halo?
Ginataang bilo-bilo is a warm coconut milk soup with rice balls, while halo-halo is a shaved ice dessert with mixed ingredients like beans and leche flan.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, taro (gabi) or purple yam (ube) are common additions. Avoid watery fruits like melons.
Related guides
- Bibingka (Filipino Coconut Rice Cake)
- Filipino Biko Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Sticky Rice Cake
- Buko Pandan: The Ultimate Filipino Creamy Coconut Dessert Salad