Introduction Palm sugar is gaining popularity not just for its health benefits but also for its versatility in cooking. This natural sweetener can transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary delights. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the various culinary uses of palm sugar and share some delicious recipes for you to try at home.
Baking with Palm Sugar Palm sugar can be a fantastic substitute for white or brown sugar in baking. Its rich, caramel-like flavor adds a unique taste to baked goods. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Palm Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients:
- 1 cup palm sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the palm sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are nicely browned.
Savory Dishes with Palm Sugar Palm sugar is not just for desserts; it can enhance the flavor of savory dishes as well. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking to balance salty, sour, and spicy flavors.
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- Skewers
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, and turmeric in a bowl. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
- For the peanut sauce, mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat until smooth.
- Serve the chicken satay with peanut sauce on the side.
Conclusion Palm sugar’s versatility makes it an excellent ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Experimenting with this natural sweetener can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Try these recipes and enjoy the delightful flavors of palm sugar in your cooking.