Ondeh Ondeh - Happiness Within
Singapore | Thursday, March 5, 2015 | 
flickr photos
Ingredients
200 gram of sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
150 gram of glutinous rice flour
30 grams of rice flour
1 tablespoon of cooking oil
A pinch of salt
150ml water
Filling:
150ml of Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar), diced
Coating:
120 gram of desiccated white coconut
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 Pandan leaves, cut and lightly bruised
How to prepare this recipe
1) Bring a pot of water to boil (medium heat). Boil sweet potato till soft. Drain and mash in a mixing bowl.
2) Add glutinous rice flour, rice flour, salt and oil into mashed sweet potato. Add water in batches while kneading until dough is soft and non-sticking.
3) Scoop a teaspoon of dough into your palm and flatten into a circle. Make a well with your fingertips and fill with diced Gula Melaka. Seal the well and roll into a ball. Repeat till all dough has been used.
4) Bring a pot of water to boil (high heat). Gently drop the balls into the boiling water, one at a time. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the balls float.
5) Remove and drain balls from water. Rinse under cold running water to enhance chewiness.
6) Heat a dry wok (low fire). Place Pandan leaves and let it sauté for a minute before adding desiccated coconut and leaving it to heat for two to three minutes. Stir occasionally. Sprinkle salt and continue to stir until you smell the aroma of coconut. Turn off heat and transfer coconut into a large bowl.
7) Place slightly cooled Ondeh-Ondeh into the bowl of desiccated coconut and gently coat the entire balls.
Ondeh Ondeh is best served warm! To store overnight, place in refrigerator after it has completely cooled. Enjoy the oozing sweet sensation of Gula Melaka filling with each mouthful!
The story behind this recipe
There was a time when I was like Hector. I was also on the search for happiness, although my reasons for doing so differed from the infamous psychiatrist. I was recovering from a bout of mild depression, and hungrily devouring all things positive. My positive sources varied from self-help books (which I’ve previously scorned) to hanging out with insanely optimistic people and indulging in happy food.
One day, I had this intense craving for a traditional snack commonly known as ‘Ondeh Ondeh’. To me, they are the Happiness Balls. With chewy skin made of sweet potato and glutinous flour, this bite-size snack comes in the form of a ball dressed with desiccated coconut. There is only one way to eat it perfectly. Pop the whole thing into your mouth and go ‘oomph’! Fresh, fragrant sweetness will burst from within and delight your taste buds. Pure bliss!
Yet, like many inexplicable things that happen in life, happiness tends to evade when one is on a frantic search for it. My search for the perfect Ondeh Ondeh was not an easy one. At that time, it did not occur to me that I could try making it on my own. It appeared to be deceptively complicated, not unlike happiness.
On Facebook, my search for the happiness balls yielded long discussions without concrete conclusion. There were few shops that sell a decent version of this traditional snack. An old friend came to visit me for lunch and brought a box of Ondeh Ondeh. I was touched! But, alas! The friendly gesture and snacks were sweet… but the Gula Melaka (palm sugar) was still in its solid form! Anticipation turned to disappointment, as this was not the taste that I had in mind. It just goes to show that happiness tend to lie in one’s own hands and through personal efforts.
Hector said, “Happiness often comes when least expected.” He was right.
I have long forgotten about my cravings for those happiness balls after several disappointing samplings from the local stores here in Singapore. Nevertheless, my short vacation to Malacca last week re-ignited my hunger for Ondeh Ondeh. There are some who will insist that this traditional snack originated from Indonesia and others will say Malaysia; specifically pinpointing Malacca. I am not overly concerned. It matters not where it came from but it is very important how it turns out.
Walking along the UNESCO World Heritage old town, my friend and I stumbled upon a small shop that sells fresh Ondeh Ondeh. Sweet, warm bliss oozed from those slightly chewy balls and happiness lingered! I have found the Happiness Balls!
Upon my return, I have been trying out different recipes to re-create that same taste. It may look complex but I have since realised that it is actually quite easy to make Ondeh Ondeh! Perhaps happiness is not that difficult to obtain.
