How to make purple sticky rice

Step 1

Combine both rice together in a medium-sized bowl. Add the water, use your clean hands to mix the black and white rice together until the rice are evenly combined. Watch the water turn light lavender, it’s magic! (: Let it soak for at least 5 hours, longer is ideal.

Step 2

Drain the dark purple water from the rice and rinse in water 2 more times until the water is somewhat clear. See how beautiful the rice is with the violet hue!

Step 3

Fill the bottom of your steamer with enough water to boil your rice for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the rice at all or it will turn the rice soggy. Wet the cheesecloth, place it in the center of the steamer, and put the drained rice in it.

Step 4

Wrap the cheesecloth completely around the rice. Place a lid over the cheesecloth and turn the stovetop to high heat and start the steaming process. You can use any type of steaming tool you have. See notes on tools used to steam sticky rice.

Step 5

After 20-25 minutes the rice is ready, let cool for 5 minutes, carefully remove it from the hot cheesecloth to a rice basket or a medium-sized serving container, spread the rice around evenly, and let it cool 5-10 more minutes before serving. I usually sprinkle a little salt on it before rolling the rice with my fingers into whopper-sized balls. Sample it before serving. Take note of the sweet smell of the rice too—it’s such an aromatic and comforting smell! Enjoy your fun and beautiful p