Nam Wan Bua Loi | Rice Ball Coconut Milk Dessert
Introduction To Nam Wan Bua Loi
In Lao cuisine, nam wan is an umbrella term for sweetened coconut milk desserts, usually featuring fresh fruit. Bua loi is a type of nam wan with chewy sticky rice balls floating in the coconut milk. This variation, rainbow bua loi, is made with all organic and natural ingredients for the bright colors, including butterfly pea flower, dragon fruit, and pandan leaves. This refreshing Lao dessert is perfect for a summer barbecue.
Making the Sticky Rice balls
Creating the sticky rice balls is the longest part of making this dessert, especially if you're using multiple colors. When mixing the rice flour with the colored liquid, you may need to add a little more water to achieve a playdough-like consistency. The size of the balls can vary based on your preference, but I like to make them small, like boba, as they will expand when cooked.
Ingredients And Equipment Needed
glutinous rice flour: make sure you choose the correct rice flour since it is only sticky rice flour that creates the chewiness of the balls.
red dragon fruit: It’s important to use the red type for the color.
pandan leaves: it adds the green and slight aroma of pandan in each bite.
purple yam: smash it into a paste so it mixes well to turn into purple balls
orange yam: smash it into a paste so it mixes well to turn into a orange ball.
Butterfly pea flower: let the flowers steep in hot water for at least three minutes so all the vibrant blue colors come out.
coconut milk: if you have time, making your own coconut milk makes a big difference.
coconut water: Instead of too much sugar, add a natural sweetener with the coconut milk.
Sugar
Kosher Salt
Tips & Tricks in making the best nam wan bua loi
To save time, make all the desired colored liquids ahead of time and use when desired.
The sticky rice balls are cooked once they start floating in the boiling water.
Start with adding a little less sugar in the coconut milk and adjust as needed. The salt helps balance the sweetness of the dessert.
To level up the dessert, consider stuffing the balls with the smashed yams.