goanMediumvegetariangluten freesoy free
Goan Santhan
RATING
4.3/5(28)
TASTE SCORE
8/10
A delicate, steamed Goan pudding made from fresh coconut milk and rice. This sweet treat has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfumed with cardamom, and is a beloved classic for celebrations.
SERVINGS
8
INGREDIENTS
For 8 servings
NUTRITION · PER SERVING
183
183
CALORIES · 1 SLICE
Protein1g · 2%
Carbs33g · 72%
Fat6g · 30%
Fiber1g
Sodium22mg
Potassium67mg
Phosphorus19mg
INSTRUCTIONS
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
5 STEPS
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the rice: Wash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water to cover it by 2 inches for at least 2 to 3 hours. After soaking, drain all the water completely and set the rice aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Extract fresh coconut milk: In a blender, combine the 1.5 cups of grated coconut with 0.5 cup of warm water. Blend for about 1 minute, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract all the thick milk. This is your first extract. Return the coconut pulp to the blender, add the remaining 1.5 cups of warm water, and blend again for 1 minute. Strain this mixture to get the thin coconut milk. This is your second extract. Keep both extracts separate for now.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the batter: In the blender jar, add the drained soaked rice, sugar, and the thin coconut milk (second extract). Blend until you have a very smooth, fine batter with no grit. This might take 3-4 minutes. Pour the batter into a large mixing bowl. Add the thick coconut milk (first extract), cardamom powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. The batter should have a flowing consistency, similar to dosa batter.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Santhan: Grease a 7-inch round cake tin or a steel thali (plate with a rim) with ghee. Bring 2-3 inches of water to a rolling boil in a steamer or a large pot with a stand placed inside. Give the batter one final stir and pour it into the greased tin. Carefully place the tin onto the stand in the steamer. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam on medium heat for 20-25 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out clean.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the tin from the steamer and place it on a wire rack. Allow the Santhan to cool down completely to room temperature. This is a crucial step as it helps the pudding set firmly. Once fully cooled, run a knife around the edges and cut it into diamond or square-shaped pieces. Serve at room temperature as a dessert or snack.
PRO TIPS
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest texture, ensure the rice is ground to a very fine paste with no graininess.
- 2Using freshly grated coconut yields the most flavorful and creamy coconut milk.
- 3Do not open the steamer lid frequently while cooking, as this allows steam to escape and can affect the cooking process.
- 4Patience is key! You must let the Santhan cool completely before slicing, otherwise it will be sticky and fall apart.
- 5The sweetness can be adjusted. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- 6For a richer aroma, you can add a few drops of rose water or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Adapt it for your goals.
healthy
Healthy
Replace white sugar with an equal amount of grated jaggery. Dissolve the jaggery in a little warm water and strain it to remove impurities before adding to the batter.
quickQuick
Instead of soaking and grinding rice, use 1 cup of fine rice flour. Mix it directly with the coconut milk, sugar, and other ingredients to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
veganVegan
This recipe is naturally vegan. Simply grease the steaming pan with coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil instead of ghee.
PAIRS WELL WITH
