Bhapa pitha, steamed coconut rice cakes (Bangladesh)

Preparation

1. 1

   Mix the rice flour with a little water and a pinch of salt, rubbing between your hands, until you get a moist, semolina-like texture that just holds together when pressed (it shouldn't form a compact dough).

2. 2

   Sift this mixture to remove any large lumps and get an even texture.

3. 3

   Mix the grated coconut with the sugar to make the filling.

4. 4

   In a small steam-proof mould or bowl, add a layer of rice flour, add a layer of the coconut-sugar filling in the centre, then cover with another layer of rice flour, pressing lightly.

5. 5

   Cover the mould with a thin cloth and set it over a colander above a pot of simmering water.

6. 6

   Steam covered for 10-12 minutes, until the cake turns translucent and unmoulds easily.

7. 7

   Gently unmould onto a plate and serve warm, optionally drizzled with a little sweetened condensed milk.