Eight Treasure Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวแปดมงคล)

1.Wash and soak the glutinous rice for 3 hours. Drain and place in a steamer lined with muslin cloth, leaving a gap in the center for steam to circulate. Steam on high heat for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with water, cover, and steam for another 15 minutes until fully cooked.

2.Transfer the cooked sticky rice to a mixing bowl. Add coconut oil, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly, cover with a cloth, and let rest.

3.Place azuki beans and water in a pressure cooker. Cook under pressure for 30 minutes, then allow to rest for 15 minutes before releasing the pressure. Drain and rinse the beans until the water runs clear.

4.Add the beans to a pot with sugar and salt. Cook and stir until thick and sticky. Transfer to a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and let cool.

5.Grease a dome-shaped bowl with coconut oil.

6.Arrange the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in an appealing pattern at the bottom of the bowl. Flatten portions of sticky rice into discs and layer over the decorations. Spread a thin layer of azuki bean paste, then add another layer of sticky rice. Repeat to create one or two layers, depending on the size and depth of the mold. Press firmly to compact the layers, cover with foil, and steam for another 20 minutes.

7.Invert the sticky rice onto a serving plate and present with the decorations on top.