Biji Salak is a classic Indonesian treat that will indulge every sugar craving! This gluten-free and vegan dessert consists of soft and chewy sweet potato balls served in palm sugar syrup and drizzled with savory coconut milk.
Make slurry – In a small bowl, mix tapioca starch with 1/4 cup/60 ml water until well combined. Set aside.
Melt the sugar – In a saucepan, add shaved palm sugar block, salt, and 2 cups/500 ml water. Heat the pan on low-medium heat and stir occasionally. Once the palm sugar is fully dissolved, turn off the heat.
Strain the palm sugar mixture into a large pot to remove any impurities.
Make syrup – Add 3 cups/700 ml water and pandan leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the slurry slowly and immediately stir to combine. Once the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, turn off the heat. Set aside.
Sweet Potato Balls
Steam sweet potatoes for 15 minutes until they are tender. Check it with a fork to see if they are done.
Mash – Transfer the steamed sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes when they are still hot or warm with a pestle or potato ricer or food processor until smooth.
Make dough – Add salt and tapioca starch to the mashed sweet potatoes. Knead the dough with your hand incorporated.
Shape the dough into 1-inch/2.5 cm balls.
Cook the balls – In a medium pot, add enough water to reach two-thirds of the pot. Heat on medium heat until the water boils. Add the sweet potato balls to the boiling water. You can divide them into 2-3 batches so the balls do not overcrowd the pan. Once the balls float to the top, it means they are cooked.
Transfer – Use a strainer or slotted spoon to scoop the sweet potato balls. Transfer them to the palm sugar syrup.
Coconut Milk
In a saucepan, add coconut milk, salt, and pandan leaves. Heat the pan on low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the coconut milk from curdling and cook until the mixture simmers. Do not let the mixture boils. Turn off the heat and set aside.
How to Serve
Ladle the sweet potato balls in palm sugar syrup into serving bowls. Drizzle with a little bit of coconut milk on top.