Traditional Chinese New Year Sweets
Explore the rich cultural heritage with these delightful traditional Chinese New Year sweets, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Dough Base Ingredients
- 2 cups Glutinous Rice Flour Sifted
- 1 cup Sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference
- 1 cup Water For mixing
- ½ cup Cornstarch To prevent sticking
- 1 cup Coconut Milk Adds richness and flavor
Fillings and Coatings
- 1 cup Red Bean Paste For filling
- 1 cup Sesame Seeds For coating
- 1 cup Mung Bean Flour For making mung bean cake
- Optional Food Coloring For decorative purposes
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by assembling all the ingredients required for each recipe.
- Ensure the glutinous rice flour is sifted, and the sugar is measured accurately.
Cooking Dough
- Mix glutinous rice flour with water and sugar.
- Cook over medium flame until it becomes a sticky, dough-like consistency (approximately 10-15 minutes). Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Shaping Sweets
- Let the dough cool slightly. Dust hands and work surface with cornstarch.
- Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Depending on the recipe, fill them with red bean paste or leave plain.
Preparing Fillings
- Flatten a small portion of the dough in your palm, add a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center.
- Fold the dough around the filling and seal tightly, then reshape into a ball.
Coating
- Roll your shaped sweets in sesame seeds or coconut for added flavor and visual appeal.
Steaming
- Fill a steamer with water and line it with parchment paper.
- Place sweets carefully on the paper and steam for 15-20 minutes until translucent and firm.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow the sweets to cool slightly before serving.
- Arrange on a decorative platter and serve with tea or coffee.
Notes
Properly store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for longer. Steam to reheat.