Binaki () or pintos is a type of Steaming corn sweet from two regions in the Philippines – Bukidnon and Bogo, Cebu. They are distinctively wrapped in and are commonly sold as pasalubong and street food in Northern Mindanao and Cebu. It is sometimes anglicized as "steamed corn cakes".
Description
Binaki and
pintos are sweet variants of Philippine
without fillings. They arose independently in
Bukidnon and Bogo. Both are traditionally wrapped in
, but can usually be distinguished from each other by the method of wrapping.
Binaki has a longer and narrower wrapping, while
pintos is shorter and rectangular with additional cross-wise ties. Both the names and
pintos literally mean "wrapped in"; from
Cebuano language bakibaki ("pouch shaped like a frog"), and a contracted form of ("wrapped"), respectively.
Binaki and pintos are prepared identically. They are made by scraping young corn ears on a grater. The resulting coarse cornmeal is then mixed with coconut milk (or milk), margarine (butter), baking powder, and white sugar or brown sugar. In lieu of coconut milk and sugar, condensed milk may sometimes be used. Cheese may also be added, though it is rare. The mixture is then scooped and wrapped in corn husk before being steamed until firm.
Variants
A variant among the
Maranao people derived from the Bukidnon is . However, it has diverged greatly and is generally considered a separate dish. It uses grated
cassava primarily, with only bits of grated young corn kernels mixed in. It is sold wrapped in banana leaves like
suman, although it can also be wrapped in
corn husk.
See also
External links
