Pulses in Bruneian cuisine

Brunei is a small Southeast Asian nation situated on the northern coast of Borneo Island, bordered by Malaysia and the South China Sea. The country’s landscape transitions from coastal plains to mountains in the east, with forests covering nearly three-quarters of its territory.

Brunei has a diverse population, comprising Malays, Chinese, various indigenous groups, and expatriates. The people of Brunei are renowned for their warm hospitality and politeness.

For women, the Baju Kurung is a staple, consisting of a loose-fitting tunic paired with a long skirt and a Tudung headscarf. Men, on the other hand, wear the Baju Melayu, a traditional tunic and trousers ensemble. Both outfits are worn for formal occasions and everyday life, reflecting the country’s strong cultural identity.

For the dough:

125 gm glutinous rice flour

A pinch of salt

For the filling:

100 gm yellow split mung beans,

50 gm sugar

1 tbsp butter/coconut butter

For garnishing:

2-3 tbsp of desiccated coconut

1. Wash and cook mung beans with 1 cup of water until soft.  
2. Transfer the cooked beans to a pan, mashing them well. 
3. Add sugar and butter (or coconut butter), then cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and reaches a consistency suitable for shaping into balls.

4. Mix the glutinous rice flour, water, and salt to form a dough.

5. Divide the dough into 7 small balls 20 gm each, and cover them.

6. Flatten each ball into a circle, place a spoonful of mung bean filling in the center, and fold the dough to form a round shape.

7. Cook in boiling water as shown in the picture for about 8-10 minutes or until the balls float.

8. Stir them gently occasionally.   

9. When they float, remove the balls from the water and let them cool down to room temperature.

10. Coat the balls with desiccated coconut and serve.

You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your taste.