Cassava Suman Recipe
This sweet and filling cassava suman recipe is fun to make, easy to follow, and a great Filipino delicacy, made special with a lot of young coconut strips.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Origin of the dish
Cassava Suman is just one of the many types of suman which originated in the Philippines. It is a famous Filipino delicacy or dessert made from grated cassava, brown sugar, condensed milk, grated coconut and strips of young coconut, however the coconut ingredients are optional but it gives your cassava suman a more special taste. It is then wrapped around a banana leaf and cooked over boiling water for an hour. This type of suman is very famous in the Philippines because of its delicious and native taste. It is cooked mostly by the elders and some even add peanuts to the recipe to add twist with the taste. This particular cassava suman recipe includes young coconut for a more flavorful and special taste, however, you may exclude this if you want.
When is it typically served?
The cassava suman is commonly served as an in between snacks or merienda. It is also sweet enough that it can also be eaten as a dessert. You will surely not miss this delicacy in a food table during a town fiesta in the Philippines, since this is usually prepared in those kinds of events.
Kitchen Utensils You Need
In making cassava suman, you will be needing the following kitchen utensils:
- Grater
- Drainer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Chopping board
- Cooking pot
Cassava Suman’s Primary Ingredient – Cassava.
Cassava is a woody tuberous root which is grown widely in tropical places. Locally called kamoteng kahoy in the Philippines, this is very common in the country as well. It is a major staple food in many countries as it is the third largest source of carbohydrates, other than rice and maize (corn). Since cassava is a very common product, it is used in many recipes like cassava cake, pichi-pichi, and many others. You can buy this ingredient in malls and supermarkets. However, in my case I usually buy this food crop directly from my neighbor who is a farmer, which has a cassava plantation. Advantages are, I can buy it in a cheapest price plus it is fresh from the farm.
Interesting Facts
- Cassava can spoil quickly after harvest. It only last for 1 one week for unpeeled cassava.
- Never eat cassava raw! Since it contains harmful toxins like cyanide, it is toxic to ingest. It should be peeled thoroughly and cooked appropriately.
Tips and Tricks
- To make sure that the cassava suman is completely cooked and safe to eat, better steam or boil it for not less than an hour.
- Better and safe to cook cassava suman by boiling than steaming.
Ingredients
- 2 kg grated cassava
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups grated coconut
- 2 cups young coconut strips
- banana leaves (for wrapping)
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, put the grated cassava, grated coconut, young coconut strips, brown sugar and condensed milk together.
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Fold and mix together using a spatula, but I'd rather use my hand to mix the ingredients better. And of course, make sure your hands are clean.
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Set aside and prepare the banana leaves wrap by cutting 10 by 7 inches banana sheets. Shortly pass the banana leaves over flames for 10 seconds until pliable. Set aside.
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Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoon of cassava mixture into the banana sheets.
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Roll the leaf tightly and leave about 1-2 inches on top and bottom side then fold to seal the wrap.
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Tie two suman together using a strip of banana leaf to seal it together and prevent the water from coming inside the banana wrap.
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In a large pot, put the cassava suman and pour water until it reaches the same level as the suman. Turn on heat and boil for 1 hour. You can add water if needed.
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Serve hot and enjoy! Though, some prefer cooling it down first before eating. It's really up to your preference.
Cassava suman is one of the easiest and tastiest type of suman there is. You can pair it with hot coffee or hot chocolate. But it is also good dipped with white sugar or you can pair it with ripe mangoes. It’s up to your preference, which for you is the best pair to your cassava suman. It may sound complicated to cook for you, but once you start cooking suman, everything will just go smoothly until the process becomes easy and simple for you. It is also a fun way to bring your family together in preparation for your own version of this delicacy. Now, let go of the hesitation and what if’s. Start cooking your cassava suman now with the help of this recipe.