Pandan, Pumpkin, and Purple Sweet Potato Ondeh-Ondeh

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Tham Jessica (@jessieinthekitchen)

A delightful and colorful traditional Southeast Asian dessert made with glutinous rice flour and filled with palm sugar, then coated with grated coconut.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min
Pandan, Pumpkin, and Purple Sweet Potato Ondeh-Ondeh recipe

Ingredients

20 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece)

Pandan Ondeh-Ondeh

  • 73g
    pandan juice (10g pandan leaves + 90g water)
  • 125g
    glutinous rice flour
  • 25g
    sugar
  • 20g
    water
  • 1tsp
    cooking oil

Pumpkin Ondeh-Ondeh

  • 100g
    steamed and mashed pumpkin
  • 150g
    glutinous rice flour
  • 1/2tbsp
    oil
  • 90mL
    water (add slowly)

Purple Sweet Potato Ondeh-Ondeh

  • 100g
    steamed and mashed purple sweet potato
  • 150g
    glutinous rice flour
  • 1/2tbsp
    oil
  • 120mL
    water (might need more)

Filling

  • 150g
    Gula Melaka or Palm sugar (about 2g each)

Coating

  • 200g
    grated coconut
  • 1pinch
    salt

How to make Pandan, Pumpkin, and Purple Sweet Potato Ondeh-Ondeh

  1. Steam grated coconut and salt together with pandan leaves on medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Set it aside.

  2. Mince the palm sugar until it is firm when packed.

  3. Combine the pandan leaves and water. Blend until a fine pulp. Squeeze the pandan pulp and sieve out the pandan juice.

  4. Combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, add in the pandan juice slowly. If needed, add water slowly until you can knead it into a slightly hard dough. Add cooking oil and knead until smooth.

  5. For pumpkin and purple sweet potato dough, in two separate mixing bowls, combine the glutinous rice flour with mashed pumpkin and purple sweet potato individually. Add oil and water slowly, knead into a smooth dough. If the dough is too soft and sticky, add more glutinous rice flour.

  6. Pinch a small amount of dough from each flavor dough, roll it in your palm to form a small ball, about 20g per piece.

  7. Make a small well in the center of the small ball and fill it with chopped palm sugar. Pinch dough to seal and roll into a small ball again.

  8. Boil a pot of water and drop the small balls into the pot. Cook until they float. Remove them and gently coat with the steamed grated coconut. Serve.

    Step 1.1: Boil a pot of water and drop the small balls into the pot

Tips & Tricks

  1. Add water slowly to the dough to avoid making it too sticky.

  2. If the dough is too soft, add more glutinous rice flour.

FAQS

  1. Can I use other types of sweet potatoes instead of purple sweet potato?

    Yes, you can use other varieties of sweet potatoes, but the flavor and color of the final product may vary. Purple sweet potatoes provide a unique taste and vibrant color.

  2. What can I substitute for Gula Melaka or palm sugar?

    You can substitute Gula Melaka or palm sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that the flavor may not be exactly the same.

  3. How do I know when the ondeh-ondeh are cooked?

    The ondeh-ondeh are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This typically indicates that they are ready to be removed.

  4. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it's best to shape and cook them fresh for the best texture.

  5. What is the best way to store leftover ondeh-ondeh?

    Leftover ondeh-ondeh can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a steamer before serving to maintain their texture.

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Tham Jessica

(@jessieinthekitchen)

I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...

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