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Mokwan (Mokwan)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min
Prep
45 min
Cook
7
Servings

Ingredients

  • Pandanus pulp, scraped from ripe fruit — 2 cups (300 g / 10.5 oz)
  • Grated coconut — 1 cup (80 g / 3 oz)
  • Sugar — 3 tbsp
  • Coconut cream, for serving — 2 tbsp

Method

  1. Combine the pandanus pulp, grated coconut and sugar in a bowl, mixing thoroughly.
  2. Spread the mixture into a banana leaf-lined or greased dish, pressing down firmly.
  3. Steam for 40–45 minutes until set and firm to the touch.
  4. Let cool slightly before slicing into pieces.
  5. Serve drizzled with a little coconut cream.

Introduction: A dense, chewy pudding made from grated pandanus and coconut, sweetened and steamed until set, a favourite treat during pandanus season.

Cultural Background: Mokwan is made when pandanus fruit is at its most abundant, the pulp mixed with coconut and lightly sweetened before steaming, producing a treat closely tied to the rhythms of the island’s fruiting seasons.

Tips: Press the mixture down firmly before steaming so it holds together once sliced. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting for the neatest pieces.

Variations: Add a few chopped bananas to the mixture for extra sweetness. Wrap individual portions in banana leaf before steaming for a traditional presentation.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Serve at room temperature or gently steam for a few minutes to warm through.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 210 kcal, 2 g protein, 10 g fat, 30 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Where can I find pandanus fruit outside the Pacific?

A: It can be difficult to source fresh outside the

Q: Is mokwan very sweet?

A: It has a moderate natural sweetness from the pandanus itself, topped