Num Ansom Chek (Cambodian Sticky Rice and Banana Cake)
Local name: នំអន្សមចេក
In short: Glutinous rice and a whole banana wrapped in banana leaf into a log and steamed until the rice turns soft, sticky and lightly sweet. It takes about 2 h 20 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 20 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Num ansom chek is a traditional Cambodian sticky rice cake with a ripe banana at its heart, wrapped in banana leaf and tied into a log. It is made in large batches for Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and weddings, and shared among family and neighbors. Slow steaming turns the rice soft and translucent, and the banana melts into a gentle sweetness. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked rice well. Mix it with the coconut milk, sugar and salt in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Soften the banana leaves by passing them over a flame or dipping them in hot water, then wipe them dry. Brush one side lightly with oil.
- Spread about 4 tbsp of rice into a rectangle on a leaf. Lay a banana along the middle and cover it with 2 tbsp more rice, enclosing it fully.
- Roll the leaf tightly around the filling into a log about 15 cm (6 in) long, fold in the ends and tie firmly with twine in 2 or 3 places.
- Arrange the parcels in layers in a steamer. Steam over boiling water for 90 to 100 minutes, topping up the water as needed, until the rice is soft, sticky and translucent.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then unwrap and slice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Wrap tightly, but leave a little room for the rice to swell. If the parcels are loose, the rice will turn mushy and leak. Bite-test one at 90 minutes.
- A spoonful of mung bean paste laid beside the banana is a common addition. The savory version, num ansom, is eaten at the same festivals.
Questions and answers
Can I store num ansom chek?
Keep the wrapped parcels at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Re-steam for 10 to 15 minutes to soften them.
Can I freeze num ansom chek?
Yes. Freeze the unopened parcels for up to 2 months. Steam straight from frozen for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and soft.
What bananas should I use?
Small, sweet, ripe finger bananas are traditional. Regular bananas cut in half work if they are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas melt away.
How long does it take to make Num Ansom Chek (Cambodian Sticky Rice and Banana Cake)?
About 2 h 20 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Num Ansom Chek (Cambodian Sticky Rice and Banana Cake)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 69 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
