Bongiam Bawbaw Sat'dai

I learned how to make a Khmer dessert yesterday!  Other than being called bongiam (Khmer word for dessert) the only other name I was given for it was bongiam bawbaw sat'dai which is literally translated as dessert rice porridge bean.  Which, doesn't sound like an American dessert but it is very Asian.  And I love Asian desserts (well, unless they have corn in them but thats a very different story)

Since I was taught how to make it at the orphanage I don't have exact measurements but I'll give you the closest that I have.  And, the amount we made served about 30 people.  The kids loved it (so did I) and were hiding the left overs around the orphanage so that they could eat it later.  One of the kids even hid some in an empty Coke bottle.  I thought that was hilarious!

with Leak (eating the portion that he hid for later)

Bongiam Bawbaw Sat'dai

finely shredded meat of 2 or 3 coconuts
2 kg dried black eyed peas
handful of salt
2 kg white rice
2 kg sugar

Soak the black eyed peas and remove any debris from the water.  Drain and then boil in water covers the beans in a large pot with a cover about 45 minutes to an hour.

In the meantime, using a cheese cloth wring the milk from the shredded meat of the coconut.  Save the milk for later.

Using the same shredded meat of the coconut, take about a quart of water and pour it over the coconut. Use it to get more of the milk from the coconut.  Do this 4 or 5 times.  Save the watered down milk for later.

Once the black eyed peas are half cooked, drain the water.  In a large pot, bring the watered down milk to a boil.   Add the beans and salt.  Make sure the beans are fully covered by the milk.  You may need to add more water.   Let cook for about 45 minutes. Add the white rice and continue cooking. Once everything is almost done add the sugar.  Let cook long enough for the sugar to mix in.

Enjoy!

Also, if you want an easier version or if its hard to get the coconut meat I'm sure you could cut the recipe at least in half and buy canned coconut milk.  And, you could probably buy canned beans too.