Day 1 – Check that large and small bamboo leaves aren't torn or have holes. Soak overnight in enough water to cover (weighed down with something heavy). Wipe clean and rinse thoroughly. Set aside.
25 bamboo leaves
If using dumpling strings, discard thin ones that may break (test by pulling). Thick ones may be split into 2. Soak strings overnight with bamboo leaves. Rinse till water runs clear. Wring dry. Tie to a pole with a slip knot. Rest pole between back of two chairs or maybe kitchen cabinets and a table.
25 dumpling strings or plastic raffia
Rinse glutinous rice till water runs clear. Add enough water to cover by 5 cm. Leave to soak overnight. Drain thoroughly.
500 g glutinous rice
Day 2 – Break lye into small pieces. Add hot water. Stir till dissolved. Add to soaked and drained glutinous rice. Mix thoroughly.
15 g orange-tinted lye
Rest pole horizontally on back of two chairs, or maybe kitchen cabinets and a table. Pole should be secure and not roll about when dumplings are being tied. You also need a low stool to sit on.
Tie dumpling/raffia strings to pole with slip knot.
Wrap and tie dumplings as shown in video (1:18 - 2:27).
Boil dumplings in enough water to cover, for 2.5-3 hours depending on size.
To see if dumplings are done, unwrap one and check if inside is soft. If it's hard, or bitter, boil for another 15-30 minutes.
Remove dumplings from water. Leave till cool. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
To serve, unwrap dumplings. Cut bite-size. Eat with castor sugar or kaya dip.