Taantu

Taantu, also known as tauntu or taunto, is a traditional dish from the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. It is a type of dessert or sweet snack, often enjoyed as a merienda or after-meal treat. The primary ingredient in taantu is cooked rice, typically glutinous rice, which is then mashed or pounded into a sticky consistency.

The preparation of taantu usually involves boiling or steaming glutinous rice until it is soft and pliable. Once cooked, the rice is mashed or pounded, often using a mortar and pestle, to achieve a chewy texture. Sweeteners are then incorporated, with muscovado sugar being a common choice due to its rich, molasses-like flavor. Other ingredients may include grated coconut, which adds a distinct aroma and texture, and sometimes a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Taantu can be shaped into small balls or patties. It is sometimes wrapped in banana leaves or other edible leaves before being steamed or lightly fried to enhance its flavor and aroma. The final product is a sweet, sticky, and satisfying confection, with variations in flavor and texture depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used by individual households or communities. It is a simple yet delicious representation of traditional Filipino sweets.