Linopot (Sabahan Wrapped Rice With Taro)
A traditional Sabahan dish where rice and taro are mashed together, seasoned simply, and steamed in fragrant banana leaves. This hearty and flavorful rice parcel is a staple from the Kadazandusun community in Malaysia, often served as the main carbohydrate with various side dishes.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 315 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1.5 cupwhite rice, uncooked
- 250 gtaro root, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
- 480 mlwater
- 1 tspsalt
- 4 pcsbanana leaf, large pieces, about 30cm wide
Equipment
pot with lid or rice cooker · steamer · cutting board · knife · potato masher · kitchen twine
The method
Step by step
- 1
Rinse the rice in a bowl with cool water, changing the water several times until it runs clear.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: This step removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming overly gummy.
- 2
Drain the rice well and place it in a medium pot or the inner pot of a rice cooker.
About 1 min
- 3
Add the cubed taro root, salt, and water to the pot with the rice.
About 1 min
- 4
If using a rice cooker, start the standard cooking cycle. If using a pot, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
About 5 min
- 5
If using a pot, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all water is absorbed.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid while simmering to keep the steam trapped inside.
- 6
While the rice cooks, soften the banana leaves by quickly passing them over a low gas flame or by pouring hot water over them.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This makes the leaves pliable and prevents them from tearing when you fold them.
- 7
Carefully wipe the softened leaves clean with a damp cloth and pat dry.
About 2 min
- 8
Once the rice and taro are cooked, let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat.
About 5 min
- 9
Uncover the pot and use a potato masher or a sturdy spoon to mash the taro and rice together into a sticky, combined mass.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: You can leave it slightly chunky or mash it until smooth, according to your preference.
- 10
Lay a piece of banana leaf flat and place about one-quarter of the rice mixture in the center.
About 1 min
- 11
Fold the long sides of the leaf over the rice, then fold the shorter ends underneath to create a neat, rectangular packet.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Fold it snugly to ensure the packet holds its shape.
- 12
Secure the packet with kitchen twine if needed, and repeat with the remaining rice and leaves.
About 2 min
- 13
Set up a steamer over simmering water and place the wrapped parcels inside, ensuring they don't touch the water.
About 2 min
- 14
Cover the steamer and steam the parcels for 10 minutes.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This step is crucial for infusing the rice with the wonderful aroma of the banana leaf.
- 15
Remove the steamer from the heat and let the parcels rest for 5 minutes before unwrapping to serve.
About 5 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 315kcal
- Protein
- 5.8g
- Carbs
- 71.5g
- Fat
- 0.5g
- Fibre
- 3.3g
- Sugar
- 0.3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover wrapped parcels in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Re-steam the parcels for 5-10 minutes until heated through, or microwave them.
More recipes
All recipesappetizer
Burrata con Pomodorini
Indulge in this effortlessly elegant Italian appetizer featuring creamy, fresh burrata cheese nestled amongst sweet, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, fragrant oregano, and a vibrant balsamic glaze, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for a light and sophisticated start to any meal.
35 min 286 kcalbreakfast
Banana Oat Porridge
This comforting and nutritious banana oat porridge is a perfect start to any day. Made with simple ingredients, it's naturally sweet and creamy, offering sustained energy for busy mornings. It's a wholesome vegan breakfast option that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
15 mindinner
Traditional Claypot Rice
This classic Cantonese claypot rice features tender chicken and savory Chinese sausage cooked over rice in a clay pot, creating a delicious crispy bottom. It's a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a family dinner.
1 hr 20 min 884 kcalsnack
Classic British Scones
These light, fluffy scones have a tender crumb and are a cornerstone of a traditional British afternoon tea. They are simple to make and best served warm from the oven with generous amounts of jam and clotted cream.
35 minbreakfast
Savory Oatmeal with Egg
This recipe transforms traditional breakfast oats into a hearty, savory meal. Topped with a perfectly cooked egg, it's a comforting and nutritious start to your day. Customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings for endless variations.
15 min 261 kcalmain course
Lahanodolmades (Greek Cabbage Rolls)
These traditional Greek cabbage rolls feature tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and herbs. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they make a comforting and hearty main course. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon.
2 hr 15 min 563 kcalmain course
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This bright and flavorful dish features tender shrimp quickly cooked with garlic and lemon, then tossed with al dente pasta. It's a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a light yet satisfying experience.
25 min 555 kcal