User:Chayiisara
The Moon Ventures the Cloud
[edit] The Moon Ventures the Cloud | |
| Type | Thai dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Thailand |
The Moon Ventures the Cloud or Bulan Dan Mek (Thai: บุหลันดั้นเมฆ, pronounced [bū.lǎn dân mêːk]) is one of the traditional Thai desserts inspired by royal song Bulan Loi Luean, composed by His Majesty King Rama II, 1767-1824. It is a small dessert in which the center is a circular dimple with a yellow color and a bluish-purple surrounding skin.
Name and origin
[edit]“Bulan Dan Mek” is a royal Thai dessert that originated during the reign of King Rama II, inspired by the royal musical composition “Bulan Loi Luean,” also known as “Bulan Loi Fa” by King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II). The story goes that one night, after playing the sor (a Thai bowed instrument) late into the night, the King went to bed and dreamed of being in a beautiful place. A full moon gradually floated closer, radiating a bright light everywhere, accompanied by the sound of celestial music. The King watched and enjoyed the melody for a long time. Eventually, the moon slowly drifted away into the sky, and the sound of music faded. When he woke up, the music still lingered in his ears. He then called the royal musicians to recreate the melody that night and named it “Bulan Loi Luean.”
The word “bulan” means “moon,” and the dessert resembles this beautiful imagery. The blue color of butterfly pea flower is used to represent the nighttime sky, while a round egg yolk is placed in the center, symbolizing the moon. This dessert mimics the beauty of the moon floating in the night sky, and it has a delicious, soft, and fragrant sweet taste
Usage
[edit]In the past, this dessert was often used for fortune-telling, particularly regarding work. The “cloud” portion of the dessert was associated with job predictions, while the yellow “Bulan” (moon) represented the outcome. When the dessert was dropped into the steamer, its appearance would be telling. If it steamed beautifully, resembling the moon, it signified that one’s aspirations or goals would be achieved as hoped. However, if the dessert turned out less appealing, it was seen as a sign of bad luck.
Ingredients
[edit]Rice flour or Yuan flour is a flour made from rice. It is the most used flour in making Thai desserts.
Thao Yai Mom flour consists of small, shiny white grains that need to be ground into a fine powder before use.
Jasmine food flavor has a sweet fragrance that resembles the natural scent of jasmine flowers and jasmine-infused water.
Brown sugar is used to beautify the color of food.
Purple anise flower juice can be used as a versatile natural food coloring.
Equipments
[edit]Food mixers, also known as mixers, come in two forms: handheld and tabletop. They are designed to mix or beat food ingredients using an electric motor, without applying heat for cooking. Most mixers offer multiple speed settings, allowing for adjustments based on the task. It’s important to note that mixing for too long or too little can impact the texture and quality of the food being prepared.
Measuring spoon, kitchen utensils for measuring the volume of cooking ingredients typically include measuring cups and measuring spoons. Measuring cups are used for both dry and liquid ingredients, while measuring spoons are ideal for smaller amounts. Accurate measurement is essential for achieving consistent results in recipes.
Preparation
[edit]Ingredients:
1. Rice flour – 60 grams
2. Arrowroot starch – 5 grams
3. Granulated sugar – 75 grams
4. Butterfly pea flower water – 175 grams
5. Egg yolks (from chicken eggs) – 2
6. Jasmine extract – 5 grams
Instructions:
1. Fill the steamer with water about halfway and bring it to a boil. Place small bowls (Talai cup) inside the steamer, cover, and steam for about 10 minutes until the bowls are very hot.
2. Mix the rice flour and arrowroot starch together. Gradually add the butterfly pea flower water while stirring until there are no lumps. Add the sugar and jasmine extract, and stir until fully dissolved.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the prepared egg yolks and set aside.
4. Pour the flour mixture into the hot Talai cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Steam over high heat for about 7-10 minutes.
5. Add the whisked egg yolks into the indented center of the Bulan Dan Mek and steam for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Once fully cooked, place the steamed Bulan Dan Mek in cold water. Once cooled, carefully remove the Bulan Danmek from the Talai cup.
7. Serve the Bulan Dan Mek on a plate lined with banana leaves and enjoy!
References
[edit]1. Phol Tantasathien. (2019, March 19). ขนมไทย : บุหลันดั้นเมฆ. Pholfoodmafia. https://www.pholfoodmafia.com/show/ขนมไทย-บุหลันดั้นเมฆ/
2. Thavorn Thanasarn. (2021, June 14). ขนมบุหลันดั้นเมฆ ขนมเสี่ยงทายของคนในวังสมัยก่อน. Thavorn Thanasarn. ขนมบุหลันดั้นเมฆ ขนมเสี่ยงทายของคนในวังสมัยก่อน
3. Phol Tantasathien. (n.d.). Bulan Dan Mek (บุหลันดั้นเมฆ). Pholfoodmafia. https://www.pholfoodmafia.com/recipe/bulan-dan-mek-%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%86/
4. Wikipedia . (2023, October 17). แป้งข้าวเจ้า. https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/แป้งข้าวเจ้า
5. Sanook. (2023, January 19). แป้งท้าวยายม่อมคือแป้งอะไร ใช้ทำอะไรได้บ้าง. https://www.sanook.com/campus/1413751/
6. Flavor Seasoning. (n.d.). Jasmin flavor. Retrieved from http://www.flavorseasoning.com/product-detail.php?id=175764
7. Sanook. (2020, August 11). “น้ำตาลทรายขาว” VS “น้ำตาลทรายแดง” แบบไหนดีต่อสุขภาพมากกว่ากัน. https://www.sanook.com/health/24245/
8. Shopee Blog. (n.d.). Butterfly Pea Health Benefits. https://shopee.co.th/blog/butterfly-pea-health-benefits/
9. Wikipedia. (2023, October 17). เครื่องผสมอาหาร. https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/เครื่องผสมอาหาร
10. Wikidata. (2024, October 28). measuring cup. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q907099
11. Allwin Food Thailand. (n.d.). ขนมบุหลันดั้นเมฆ ขนมโบราณ (Bulan Dan Mek). https://www.allwinfoodthailand.com/content/44020/%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%86-%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%93-bulan-dan-mek