Alternative names | carabao-milk pudding |
---|---|
Course | Dessert |
Place of origin | Philippines |
Region or state | Pampanga, Cagayan |
Serving temperature | room temperature, cold |
Similar dishes | Maja blanca, blancmange, leche flan |
Tibok-tibok ( Pampangan: tibuktíbuk) or carabao-milk pudding is a Pampangan dessert pudding made primarily from carabao (water buffalo) milk and ground soaked glutinous rice ( galapong). Originating in the Philippine province of Pampanga, it is especially popular in Cagayan. It has a soft jelly-like texture and is topped with latik (coconut curds) before serving. It is characteristically creamy white in color and has a delicate, sweet and slightly salty flavor. It is very similar to the more common maja blanca, albeit the latter is made with coconut milk and cornstarch. [1] [2]
The name tibok-tibok literally means "[like a] heartbeat". This is due to the method of determining if the dish is cooked. Once it has reduced to a firm consistency, the bubbles barely break the surface, making it look like it is pulsating. [3] [4]
Tibok-tibok is prepared similarly to maja blanca. Carabao milk is traditionally mixed with a small amount of galapong, ground glutinous rice that has been soaked overnight. It is flavored with a small amount of white sugar and dayap ( key lime) zest. It is simmered at low heat while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. It is immediately poured into a flat pan lined with greased banana leaves and allowed to cool. It can also be poured into molds as desired. It is usually served as square or diamond-shaped slices. It is topped with latik (coconut curds). [4] It is stored in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out. [1] [3] [5] [6]
Carabao milk can be substituted with whole fat cow's milk in areas where it is not available. [5] [7] Less traditional preparations might also substitute rice flour or cornstarch for galapong, or exclude it altogether. [1] [7]