Gâteau Zinzli (Black Sesame Sticky Rice Cake)
Gâteau Zinzli is a delightful Mauritian dessert made from glutinous rice, cane sugar, and black sesame seeds. It has a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, making it a unique and satisfying treat. The preparation requires patience, but the result is a truly special confection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Glutinous rice (sweet rice)
- 200 g Cane sugar
- 250 ml Water
- 50 g Black sesame seeds(roasted)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(for greasing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in plenty of water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
💡 Tip: Soaking is crucial for the rice to become tender and translucent. - 2
Drain the soaked rice well. Steam the rice in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or parchment paper for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and translucent.
⏱️ 25 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure the steamer has enough water and maintain a consistent steam. - 3
While the rice is steaming, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the cane sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
💡 Tip: Do not boil the syrup vigorously; just dissolve the sugar. - 4
Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the syrup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Grease a square or rectangular baking pan or mold with vegetable oil. Spread the cooked glutinous rice evenly in the prepared pan.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula to press the rice down firmly and evenly. - 6
Pour the warm sugar syrup evenly over the steamed rice. Sprinkle the roasted black sesame seeds over the top.
💡 Tip: Ensure the syrup is distributed throughout the rice. - 7
Steam the rice and syrup mixture again for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is firm and slightly sticky.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: This second steaming helps bind the cake together. - 8
Let the Gâteau Zinzli cool completely in the pan before cutting it into squares or diamonds. This allows it to set properly.
💡 Tip: Cutting while warm can make it difficult to handle.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the black sesame seeds are roasted for maximum flavor.
- ✓The consistency of the cake should be chewy and slightly sticky.
- ✓If cane sugar is unavailable, dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a pinch of cardamom for added aroma.
- A small amount of grated coconut can be added along with the sesame seeds.