Name: Mango Sticky Rice Parfait: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous rice (sweet rice); 1 1/4 cups water; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry); 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced; 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish); Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Mango Sticky Rice Parfait: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every spoonful of this delightful dessert! Imagine the creamy, sweet indulgence of traditional mango sticky rice, reimagined in an elegant and effortless parfait. This isn't just a dessert; it's an experience, a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Mango sticky rice, or "khao niao mamuang," holds a special place in Thai cuisine and culture. Traditionally enjoyed during the mango season, it's a celebration of the perfect pairing between sweet, ripe mangoes and glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk. It's a dish often shared during family gatherings and festive occasions, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.

What makes this dessert so universally loved? It's the harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and creamy elements. The sticky rice, infused with the rich flavor of coconut milk, provides a comforting and slightly chewy base. The juicy, fragrant mangoes offer a burst of tropical sweetness that perfectly complements the rice. And now, with our Mango Sticky Rice Parfait recipe, we've elevated this classic to a new level of convenience and visual appeal. Layers of creamy coconut rice pudding, fresh mango chunks, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes create a stunning dessert that's as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. This Mango Sticky Rice Parfait is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thailand without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Sticky Rice:

1 cup glutinous rice (sweet rice)
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Sauce:

1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

For the Mango:

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced

For the Parfait Assembly:

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Sticky Rice

Rinse the Rice: The first thing we need to do is rinse the glutinous rice. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook properly.
Soak the Rice: Now, transfer the rinsed rice to a bowl and cover it with plenty of cold water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Soaking is crucial for achieving that perfectly tender and sticky texture. The rice will expand significantly, so make sure you use a large enough bowl.
Drain the Rice: After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly using the same fine-mesh sieve. Make sure to get rid of all the excess water.
Steam the Rice: This is my preferred method for cooking sticky rice, as it yields the best texture. Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth or parchment paper (poke a few holes in the parchment paper to allow steam to escape). Spread the drained rice evenly in the lined steamer basket.
Steam Time: Place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the rice. Cover the steamer tightly and steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is translucent and cooked through. Check the rice periodically and add more boiling water to the pot if needed.
Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture: While the rice is steaming, in a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil.
Combine Rice and Coconut Milk: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the hot rice. Gently fold the rice to ensure it's evenly coated with the coconut milk.
Rest the Rice: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the rice rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the rice to absorb all the coconut milk and become wonderfully sticky and flavorful. Stir occasionally to ensure even absorption.

Making the Coconut Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
Heat and Thicken: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
Add Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the coconut milk mixture. Continue stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will become too thick.
Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Preparing the Mango

Peel the Mangoes: Carefully peel the mangoes using a vegetable peeler or a knife.
Slice the Mangoes: Slice the mangoes into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. I like to cut them into thin slices for a more elegant presentation in the parfait.

Assembling the Mango Sticky Rice Parfait

Choose Your Vessels: Select your parfait glasses or small bowls. Clear glass allows you to see the beautiful layers of the parfait.
Layering: Begin by placing a layer of sticky rice at the bottom of each glass.
Add Mango: Next, add a layer of sliced mangoes on top of the rice.
Drizzle with Coconut Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of the coconut sauce over the mangoes.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of sticky rice, mangoes, and coconut sauce until you reach the top of the glass.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish the parfaits with toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
Chill (Optional): If you prefer a chilled dessert, you can refrigerate the parfaits for about 30 minutes before serving. However, they are also delicious served at room temperature.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet sticky rice, creamy coconut sauce, and juicy mangoes!

Tips for Perfect Mango Sticky Rice Parfait

Rice Quality: Using high-quality glutinous rice is essential for achieving the best texture. Look for rice that is specifically labeled as "sweet rice" or "glutinous rice."
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk will give you the richest and creamiest flavor.
Mango Ripeness: Make sure your mangoes are perfectly ripe. They should be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
Steaming vs. Boiling: While you can cook sticky rice by boiling it, steaming yields a much better texture. Steaming prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the sticky rice and coconut sauce to your liking. Taste as you go and add more sugar if needed.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sticky rice and coconut sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the parfaits just before serving.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and garnishes. Some other options include chopped nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of condensed milk.
Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 4-6 parfaits, depending on the size of your glasses.

Troubleshooting

Rice is too hard: If the rice is still hard after steaming, add a little more water to the pot and continue steaming for a few more minutes.
Rice is too mushy: If the rice is too mushy, you may have added too much water. Next time, reduce the amount of water slightly.
Coconut sauce is too thin: If the coconut sauce is not thickening, make sure you are using enough cornstarch slurry and that you are stirring constantly over medium heat.
Coconut sauce is too thick: If the coconut sauce becomes too thick, add a little more coconut milk to thin it out.

Storage Instructions

Sticky Rice: Leftover sticky rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent it from drying out.
Coconut Sauce: Leftover coconut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring constantly.
Mango: Sliced mangoes are best enjoyed fresh. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they may lose some of their flavor and texture.
Assembled Parfaits: Assembled parfaits are best enjoyed immediately. If you need to store them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. However, the rice may become slightly dry.

Conclusion:

This Mango Sticky Rice Parfait isn't just a dessert; it's a mini-vacation for your taste buds! The creamy coconut rice, the sweet and tangy mango, and the crunchy topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delightful and refreshing treat. Why is this parfait a must-try? Because it perfectly balances the comforting familiarity of classic mango sticky rice with the fun and elegance of a parfait. It's a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed mood booster. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked rice – talk about delicious and resourceful! But the fun doesn't stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Go Tropical: Add a layer of diced pineapple or papaya for an extra burst of tropical flavor. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes would also be divine! * Spice it Up: A pinch of cardamom or a dash of ginger in the coconut rice can add a warm and aromatic touch. * Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe by using coconut cream instead of regular cream in the rice and ensuring your toppings are vegan-friendly. * Presentation is Key: Layer the parfait in elegant glasses or mason jars for a visually stunning dessert. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few extra mango slices. * Breakfast Parfait: Believe it or not, this parfait also works beautifully as a decadent breakfast treat! Just lighten up the sweetness a bit and enjoy a truly special start to your day. * Topping Tweaks: While I love the toasted sesame seeds and chopped nuts, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Consider adding granola, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. I truly believe that this Mango Sticky Rice Parfait will become a new favorite in your household. It's the perfect dessert for a summer barbecue, a cozy night in, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of sweetness and sunshine. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite parfait glasses, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece. I'm confident that you'll love the combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and, most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it at a party? Did your family rave about it? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy parfait-making!