Quick take: String hoppers are delicate steamed rice-flour nests. They are not hard, but the dough needs to be warm and pressable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted rice flour
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water, as needed
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil for trays
Method
- Mix salt into rice flour.
- Add boiling water gradually and stir with a spoon.
- Knead while warm until smooth and pressable.
- Press into oiled string hopper mats or small steamer plates.
- Steam until set and tender.
Cook's notes
- If the dough cracks, it is too dry or too cool.
- Roasted rice flour gives a better texture.
- Serve with kiri hodi, dhal, or coconut sambol.
Serving idea
Serve this with steamed rice, dhal, coconut sambol, and one fresh or pickled side. If you are cooking for the first time, make one curry and one sambol instead of trying to build a full feast.
Recipe note: ingredient brands, spice heat, coconut milk thickness, and cookware vary by country. Taste as you cook, and adjust salt, lime, chili, and coconut milk to your kitchen.