Saboko

About This Recipe

Saboko are small steamed dumplings made from tapioca flour wrapped around a sweet filling of grated coconut and palm sugar. They are a popular street snack and festive treat throughout Timor-Leste, often tinted green with pandan.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 200 gtapioca flour
• 120 mlwarm water
• 100 gfresh grated coconut
• 60 gpalm sugar, grated
• 1 tsppandan extract (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Make dough

   Mix tapioca flour with warm water and pandan extract to form a soft, pliable dough.

2. 2

   Make filling

   Combine grated coconut and palm sugar in a bowl.

3. 3

   Shape

   Divide dough into 18 balls. Flatten each, place a teaspoon of filling in the centre, and seal.

4. 4

   Steam

   Place dumplings on a greased steamer tray and steam for 12–15 minutes until translucent.

5. 5

   Serve

   Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

• •

  Fill with mashed banana and sugar.

• •

  Roll finished dumplings in toasted coconut.

Storage

Store at room temperature up to 1 day; re-steam briefly to soften if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions