Why is bibingka so important?

The cultural significance of bibingka goes much beyond its delicious flavor and adaptive recipe. Bibingka is a symbol of joy and unity in Filipino culture . Bibingka is a delicious treat that may be eaten for breakfast, as a lovely after-meal dessert, or just as a snack.

What can you say about bibingka?

Bibingka (/bɪˈbiːŋkɑː/; bi-BEENG-kah) commonly refers to a type of baked rice cake from the Philippines that is traditionally cooked in a terracotta oven lined with banana leaves and is usually eaten for breakfast or as merienda (mid-afternoon snack) especially during the Christmas season.

What does bibingka mean in English?

bi·bing·ka bē-ˈbiŋ-kə : a Philippine cake that is made with rice flour, water, and sometimes other ingredients (such as butter, sugar, cheese, or coconut) and that is traditionally cooked between banana leaves .

What is the lifespan of bibingka?

Wrapped tightly in foil or plastic, bibingka will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Bibingka is actually packed with important nutrients like manganese, copper, and lauric acid from coconut milk; selenium, omega-3, and vitamin A from salted duck egg; and calcium from kesong puti.

What is the best partner for bibingka?

Typically, one enjoys bibingka with another type of rice cake, puto bumbong, especially after Simbang Gabi . Hot drinks, like coffee or chocolate, also make the ideal companion for this treat. Treats like bibingka often brings back a lot of cherished moments –– of warmth, and spending time with loved ones.

What does bibingka mean slang?

bibingka (rice cake made from rice, coconut, and grated coconut, and wrapped in coconut leaves) (vulgar, slang) female genitalia synonym ▲ Synonym: puke.

What is the history of bibingka in the Philippines?

The history of bibingka harks back to pre-colonial times . The early Filipinos made a similar cake called "bibingka glutinosa", which was made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Bibingka glutinosa was usually cooked in banana leaves over charcoal.

Why do we eat bibingka during Christmas?

There is no written record on how bibingka and puto bumbong came to be most associated with the Christmas season. However, in the article, culinary maven Glenda Barretto noted that the farmers needed to consume something quick and convenient . Originally, these rice cakes were enjoyed with salabat (ginger tea).

What is the importance of rice cakes?

Rice cakes are a good mini-snack to hold you over in between meals . Eating frequent small snacks can give you the energy to stay active and maintain good health. A healthy snack, like a rice cake with nut butter, can be a filling in-between snack. Better diet quality.

What is the bibingka capital of the world?

Bibingka Capital of the Philippines Influenced by the Indians or sepoys, natives of Cainta learned to make bebinca, a traditional Indian pudding. Cainta's own pudding is now called the bibingka, a renowned delicacy along with suman and latik.

Easy Special Bibingka Recipe - Today's Delight (2024)

Published: December 5, 2019 Last Modified: January 4, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links.

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Easy Special Bibingka Recipe is Today’s Delight, a Filipino baked rice cake made special with all the toppings. Bibingka is made by combining rice flour, egg, sugar and milk until smooth, then baked and topped with salted egg, cheese, butter and grated coconut. With only a few basic ingredients, you can make this easy bibingka recipe at the comfort of your home.

Special Bibingka topped with salted egg, cream cheese and grated coconut.

In the Philippines, bibingka is abundant during Christmas time. It is commonly served after attending an evening mass called Simbang Gabi during Christmas Eve. In the old days, the process of making this rice cake was tedious. It was cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves and pre-heated coals were placed below and above the rice cake. Now, I can easily make bibingka in less than an hour in the oven.

With all the food preparations going on during the holidays, this is my go-to bibingka recipe, quick yet delicious. Some people are working till December 24th and with limited time it is hard to make everything from scratch. This rice cake is easily available in the Philippines, but if you live abroad it is not the case. You're lucky if you live around Filipino stores or restaurants that sells it. If not, you have to make it yourself.

Bibingka, a Filipino snack baked rice cake topped with salted eggs, cream cheese and grated coconut.

Most Filipino or Asian stores here in the States carry White King Bibingka mix, so I assume it is also available in other countries. I love using this mix especially if I am press for time. I don’t have to measure anything like flour, baking powder etc. One packet makes 2 regular pie size bibingka. You can elevate the taste of this mix by substituting water with milk and adding all the toppings you like. My mom taught me this. I was going through her recipes and she has a special bibingka recipe. Maybe one of these days, I’ll make it but for now I’ll make what I’m used to.

If you plan to take this to a gathering or potluck, you can use a baking pan or pyrex lined with banana leaves. I always make it with banana leaves as it gives extra flavor and the feel of an authentic bibingka. You can also use cup cake molds but that is too much work to line with banana leaves.

If you have never used this bibingka mix, try it and you might like it. Not much preparation involved and it is done in an hour.

Tips in Making this Easy Special Bibingka Recipe

White King’s recipe uses water, instead use milk.
If melting butter in the microwave, make sure to cover it with saran wrap with a little bit of opening. Microwave for 10 seconds at a time until melted. Melt at a lower power setting so it doesn't explode.
Batter should be well blended until smooth with pancake consistency. I don’t strain it, if you like you could.
Frozen banana leaves doesn’t have to be run through heat. Once you defrost the leaves they go limp. Wash and pat dry.
Use ½ teaspoon of butter and grease both pan and banana leaves. Before placing banana leaves in pan, grease it first.
Once you have banana leaves in pan, patch areas where there is a tear.
I used a toaster oven and added 10 minutes more to baking time.
Add toppings while batter top is still soft about 5 minutes into baking. Time can vary depending on your oven. Here’s an image showing toppings that did not settle into the batter, top was already hard, on the other hand if batter is too soft toppings can settle at the bottom. I made this on purpose so you can see what happens.

Batter was already fully cooked when toppings were placed.

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