Kelupis (Bruneian Glutinous Rice Rolls)
In short: Glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, rolled tightly in banana leaf and steamed. Eaten warm with a peanut dip or a thin curry. It takes about 1 h 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 1 h 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 360 kcal
Kelupis are soft, chewy rolls of glutinous rice wrapped in leaves and steamed, served at weddings, ceremonies and on tea-time tables in Brunei. Traditionally they are wrapped in nyirik leaves, and banana leaf is the easier substitute. The rice is seasoned with salt and coconut milk. Serve warm with peanut sauce or a thin curry, and strong coffee.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice, cover with plenty of water and soak for 4 hours. Drain.
- Steam the rice in a lined steamer over boiling water for 20 minutes.
- Mix the coconut milk, water and salt. Tip the hot rice into a bowl, pour over the mixture and stir. Return it to the steamer and steam for 10 minutes more until the liquid is absorbed.
- Soften the banana leaf pieces by passing them briefly over a flame or pouring boiling water over them. Wipe dry.
- Put 4 tablespoons of hot rice on a leaf. Roll into a tight cylinder about 10 cm (4 in) long, fold in the ends and tie with string. Repeat with the remaining rice.
- Steam the rolls for 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before unwrapping.
- Whisk the dip ingredients together until smooth. Serve the warm rolls sliced, with the dip.
Tips
- Wrap the rice while it is hot, as it molds easily and sticks together. Wet your hands to keep the rice from clinging.
- For a more fragrant roll, add a knotted pandan leaf to the steamer water.
Questions and answers
Can I make kelupis ahead?
Yes. They keep for 3 days in the refrigerator. Re-steam for 10 minutes before serving.
What can I use instead of banana leaf?
Baking parchment wrapped in foil works for shaping and steaming, though you will lose the leaf's gentle fragrance.
Can I freeze kelupis?
Yes. Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and steam for 15 minutes.
How long does it take to make Kelupis (Bruneian Glutinous Rice Rolls)?
About 1 h 40 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Kelupis (Bruneian Glutinous Rice Rolls)?
About 360 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 57 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
