Seri muka

A traditional Southeast Asian dessert

Seri Muka dessert

Seri Muka is a traditional dessert originating from the Malay and Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a popular kuih, which is a type of bite-sized snack or dessert food commonly found in the region. Seri Muka is known for its distinctive two-layered appearance, combining a creamy coconut milk custard layer with a base of glutinous rice.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Seri Muka include:

• Glutinous rice: This forms the base layer of the dessert. The rice is typically soaked, steamed, and then mixed with coconut milk and a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor.
• Coconut milk: Used in both the rice and the custard layer, coconut milk provides a rich and creamy texture.
• Pandan leaves: These are used to flavor the custard layer, giving it a fragrant aroma and a natural green color. The leaves are often blended with water to extract the juice, which is then mixed into the custard.
• Eggs: Used in the custard layer to provide structure and a smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard layer.

Preparation

The preparation of Seri Muka involves several steps:

1. Preparing the rice layer: The glutinous rice is soaked for several hours, then drained and steamed. Coconut milk and salt are added to the steamed rice, which is then pressed into a flat layer in a square or rectangular pan.

2. Making the custard layer: The pandan leaves are blended with water to extract the juice, which is mixed with eggs, sugar, and coconut milk to form the custard mixture. This mixture is poured over the rice layer.

3. Steaming: The entire dessert is steamed until the custard layer is set. This process requires careful control of the steaming temperature to ensure the custard cooks evenly without curdling.

4. Cooling and serving: Once cooked, Seri Muka is allowed to cool before being cut into small squares or rectangles for serving.

Cultural Significance

Seri Muka is often served during festive occasions and celebrations, such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. It is a staple in many traditional Malay and Peranakan households and is commonly found in local markets and food stalls.

The dessert is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its visual appeal, with the vibrant green custard layer contrasting with the white rice base. The use of natural ingredients like pandan and coconut milk reflects the culinary traditions of the region.

Variations

While the classic Seri Muka features a pandan-flavored custard, variations exist that incorporate different flavors and colors. Some versions may use sweet potato or pumpkin in the custard layer, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Related pages

• Kuih
• Pandan (plant)
• Coconut milk
• Glutinous rice