Num Chak Kachan Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes  

   Prep Time: 20 minutes

Num Chak Kachan Ingredients

Num Chak Kachan Instructions

  1. Fill a large steamer with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan with a thin layer of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup glutinous rice flour, 1/2 cup rice flour, 1/2 cup coconut cream, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 3/4 cup finely chopped palm sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup water. Whisk until the palm sugar is fully dissolved and the batter is smooth with no lumps.
  3. Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls.
  4. To one bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract (or the strained juice from 2 pandan leaves blended with 1/4 cup water). Mix well until the batter is a uniform green color. This is your pandan layer mixture.
  5. Leave the second bowl as is for the coconut layer mixture; this will be a creamy off-white color.
  6. Pour a thin layer (about 1/3 cup) of the coconut mixture into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the steamer, cover with a lid wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cake, and steam for 5 minutes or until the layer is set.
  7. Gently pour an equal amount of the pandan mixture over the set coconut layer. Steam for another 5 minutes until set.
  8. Continue alternating layers of coconut and pandan mixtures, steaming each layer for 5 minutes before adding the next, until all the batter is used. Finish with a pandan or coconut layer, as you prefer.
  9. After the final layer is added, steam the entire cake for an additional 15 minutes to ensure all layers are fully cooked and set.
  10. Remove the pan from the steamer and let the cake cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour, to allow the layers to firm up.
  11. Once cooled, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Carefully invert onto a cutting board and peel off any parchment paper if used.
  12. Slice the cake into diamond or square shapes using a sharp, lightly oiled knife for clean edges.
  13. Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Garnish with 1/4 cup shredded fresh coconut, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, and, if desired, small pieces of edible gold leaf for a luxurious finish.

Estimated Calories: 250, Servings: 8

Recommended Dishes

Num Chak Kachan Pairings

Num Chak Kachan is often enjoyed with a variety of flavors that complement its sweet and slightly chewy texture. The best pairings include tropical fruits such as mango or jackfruit, which add a refreshing and vibrant note to the experience. A good recipe for a quick fruit salad with a drizzle of coconut milk can enhance the overall taste, making the dessert even more delicious. For those seeking a healthy option, fresh fruit toppings provide a nutritious and easy way to balance the sweetness of the dish.
When considering foods to serve alongside Num Chak Kachan, light and savory snacks are a great choice. Items such as spring rolls or fresh vegetable salads offer a contrast in both texture and flavor, making for a well-rounded meal. These sides are not only fast to prepare but also provide a healthy balance, especially when using a recipe that emphasizes fresh ingredients. The combination of sweet and savory is a classic approach in Cambodian cuisine, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
For drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options can pair well with Num Chak Kachan. A quick and easy choice is a chilled jasmine tea, which is known for its subtle floral notes and ability to cleanse the palate. For those who prefer something stronger, a light and refreshing cocktail such as a lemongrass mojito can be a good match, offering a unique twist that highlights the best flavors of the region. Whether opting for a healthy herbal tea or a creative cocktail, the right beverage can elevate the enjoyment of this traditional dessert.

About Num Chak Kachan Recipe

Num Chak Kachan is a beloved Cambodian dessert that stands out for its beautiful layers and unique texture. This authentic recipe is known for being both easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at homemade sweets. The best part about this tasty treat is its use of simple ingredients like rice flour, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, which come together to create a delicious and visually appealing dish. If you're searching for the best way to enjoy a traditional dessert, learning how to make Num Chak Kachan at home is a must.
When it comes to making this Cambodian delicacy, following the right recipe and using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the perfect result. The process involves steaming layers of batter to create the signature look and texture, and with a few helpful tips, even beginners can master this dish. For the best and most authentic flavor, be sure to use high-quality coconut milk and real pandan extract. This simple yet tasty dessert is ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, and it's sure to impress anyone who tries it.
If you're wondering how to make Num Chak Kachan, you'll be pleased to know that the recipe is both easy and quick, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and some patience during the steaming process, you can create a homemade treat that rivals the best Cambodian desserts. Don't forget to follow the tips for perfect layering and texture, ensuring your Num Chak Kachan turns out delicious every time. Whether you're new to Cambodian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a tasty and authentic dessert at home.

Num Chak Kachan Quick Mistake Fixes

When it comes to the appearance of a dish, presentation can make a significant difference in how appetizing it seems. A bad appearance, such as uneven layers or a dull color, can detract from the overall enjoyment, even if the flavors are good. For those seeking a delicious and healthy treat, ensuring a visually appealing result is key. The best approach is to pay attention to the final look, as a great presentation can elevate a simple recipe and make it more inviting. Quick adjustments, like garnishing or smoothing out surfaces, can make a fast improvement and help the dish stand out.Dry or soggy textures can be a common issue, especially when preparing traditional desserts. Achieving the right consistency is essential for a good eating experience. If the dish turns out too dry, it may lose its appeal and feel less satisfying, while a soggy result can make it seem heavy and less enjoyable. The best outcome is a balanced texture that is neither too firm nor too soft, which can be achieved with careful attention during preparation. A quick fix for minor issues can sometimes be as easy as adjusting the resting time or serving method, ensuring the final product remains delicious and easy to enjoy.Balancing flavors with last minute changes is often necessary to achieve the best result, especially if the initial taste is bland or overly sweet. A great dish should have a harmonious blend of flavors that complement each other. If the flavors are not quite right, a fast adjustment, such as adding a touch of salt or a squeeze of citrus, can make a significant difference. The ability to make quick, thoughtful changes is a valuable skill, ensuring the final recipe is both healthy and delicious. This flexibility allows for an easy way to enhance the overall taste and create a memorable dessert experience.

Healthy Num Chak Kachan Tips

For those seeking to boost the health benefits of their Num Chak Kachan recipe, there are several easy and effective tips to consider. Swapping out traditional coconut milk for a lighter, low-fat version can significantly reduce saturated fat content while still delivering that delicious, authentic flavor. Incorporating whole grain rice flour instead of the usual white rice flour not only adds fiber but also makes this homemade treat more filling and nutritious. The best part? These simple changes don't compromise the tasty, perfect texture that makes this Cambodian dessert a favorite. By focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients, anyone can create a quick, easy, and healthy version of Num Chak Kachan that stands out as the best choice for mindful eaters.
Another way to make this recipe healthier is by reducing the amount of sugar used, or substituting with natural sweeteners like stevia or coconut sugar. This adjustment keeps the Num Chak Kachan recipe delicious and authentic while supporting better health outcomes. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors without the need for extra sugar, making the dish both tasty and balanced. For those looking for the best, most health-conscious approach, using organic ingredients and avoiding artificial additives ensures a clean, homemade dessert. With these tips, anyone can master how to make a quick, easy, and healthy Num Chak Kachan that's perfect for any occasion-proving that health and flavor can go hand in hand.

Num Chak Kachan Story

For someone raised in a household where traditional meals were always prepared according to long-standing family recipes, encountering a dish that diverged from those customs presented a unique challenge. The expectation was that the best meals would always come from familiar sources, yet this experience questioned that assumption. The dish was prepared in a way that was both quick and easy, which contrasted with the slow, methodical cooking processes valued at home. This difference prompted a reflection on whether good food must always be rooted in tradition or if there is value in embracing new methods.
Cultural background often shapes perceptions of what is considered healthy or appropriate to eat. In this case, the dish did not align with the dietary restrictions that had been followed for years, leading to an internal debate about flexibility and adaptation. The experience was a reminder that what is considered healthy can vary greatly between cultures, and that being open to new perspectives can be beneficial. The delicious flavors challenged preconceived notions and encouraged a more inclusive approach to food choices.
Ultimately, the encounter with this dish became a lesson in openness and growth. The fast preparation and unfamiliar style did not diminish the great satisfaction it provided. Instead, it highlighted that easy and quick recipes can still offer depth and enjoyment. The experience reinforced the idea that stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards, broadening both culinary horizons and personal beliefs.