Khanom Kluea (Thai: ขนมเกลือ, pronounced [kʰānǒm klɯ̄a], salty cake), also known as Khanom Khao (Thai: ขนมขาว, pronounced [kʰānǒm kʰāo], white cake) [1] or Khanom Ep (Thai: ขนมเอิ๊บ, pronounced [kʰānǒm ʔɤ́ːp])[2] is an ancient Northern Thai steamed rice cake. It is a rare snack in Northern Thailand. Khanom Kluea consists of rice flour, salt, and water steamed in banana leaf wrap as similar to other Northern Thai snacks[3]. It is usually prepared for Buddhist sabbath and supplementary for the sicks.[1][2].Freshly steamed Khanom Kluea, with aroma of banana leaves and batter, is plain and simple yet evoke a warm feeling for Northern Thai people far from home. The cakes may not be fancy; however, they are becoming rare these days.[2]

Khanom Kluea
Khanom Kluea, Northern Thai steamed rice cake
Khanom Kluea
Alternative namesKhanom Khao, Khanom Ep
TypeRice Cake
Region or stateNorthern Thailand
Main ingredientsRice flour, Coconut milk
Similar dishesNagasari

Usage

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Khanom Kluea is prepared for infants and elderly; it is also used as offering for monks in Buddhist sabbath. Khanom Kluea are typically consumed before Buddhist sabbath, when the elders prepare special offerings for temple merit making. In Northern Thailand, there is a belief that it is improper to eat before the monks. It is said that food prepared for the monks must be eaten after the merit-making or just as finished immediately. [2]

In addition to Buddhist sabbath, Khanom Kluea are commonly prepared when someone have illness, such as toothache, headache, fever, and cold. This is because the sicks often have less appetites lead to low nutrition and delaying the recovery. In such cases, families often make Khanom Kluea as a complementary. Freshly steamed, soft, and warm Khanom Kluea are easy to consume without much chewing and also non irritable, makes them ideal for visiting the sick, feeding babies, and encouraging elderly to enjoy more food if they have low appetite.[2]

Preparation

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Khanom Kluea is prepared by kneading rice flour, salt, coconut milk and optional additions kneaded wrapped within banana leaf then steamed. Some recipes may include cassava flour in the batter. Preparation started by Combining rice flour, cassava flour, sugar, salt, and a cup of water, mix and knead well. After all ingredients are well mixed, lowed the heat, then continue stirring until mixture thickens. Slightly spread two tablespoons of the batter on a 5-inch-wide banana leaf sheet. Then, fold the banana leaves to form a rectangular wrap. Using High heat steaming for 20 minutes, and turn off the heat.[4]

Khanom Klua might seem plain. However, the mixture could be added by various additions. Some people sprinkle sesame seeds for aroma, some use grated coconut for richness, or sweeten with sugar, sugarcane juice, ripe bananas. The simplicity brings space for creativity, individuals can tailor as their preferences.[2]

Similar dishes

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There is a dessert consist of rice flour, coconut milk and sugar wrapped and steamed similar to Khanom Kluea called Nagasari Pisang, an Indonesian dessert. It is made up of rice flour batter and ripe banana slice wrapped in banana leaves. Nagasari can be served as freshly cooked or chilled, and can last up a week in the refrigerator.[5]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Khanom Kluea". Kaset Tambon. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Chueakham, Saowarak (30 September 2024). "Steamed Rice Cake - Kanom Kluea". Krua. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  3. ^ ":: Lanna Food,LannaFood,Thai Food,Thai Lanna Food,Food and Cuisine,Northern Thai Food ::". lannainfo.library.cmu.ac.th. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  4. ^ "Khanom Kluea". Northern Thai Information Center. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  5. ^ Goh, Deyana (2021-03-02). "Nagasari Pisang: Coconut Cakes with Banana (Vegan)". Cook Me Indonesian. Retrieved 2024-11-13.