Homemade Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls (芝麻汤圆）- A sweet way to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival

glutinous rice flour

🥗Healthier: almond flour

💰Cheaper: regular rice flour

Almond flour is lower in carbohydrates, while regular rice flour is more accessible.

black sesame paste

🥗Healthier: sunflower seed butter

💰Cheaper: tahini

Sunflower seed butter offers a similar nutty flavor, while tahini is often less expensive.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter is healthier, while sunflower seed butter is budget-friendly.

red bean paste

🥗Healthier: homemade bean puree

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Homemade puree is healthier and canned beans are more economical.

Introduce the dish and its significance during the Lantern Festival.

Prepare the filling by mixing 3 tablespoons of black sesame paste with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until well combined.

Add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to the sesame mixture and mix well.

Sprinkle about half a teaspoon of sesame seeds into the filling for texture and freeze for about 20 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of glutinous rice flour.

Gradually add 1/2 cup of boiling water to the flour, mixing well after each addition.

Slowly incorporate 1/2 cup of tap water, adjusting the amount based on the consistency of the dough.

Knead the mixture into a smooth ball, keeping some dry rice flour handy in case the dough is too soft or sticky.

Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Take the frozen filling out of the freezer and divide it into 16 equal pieces.

Roll the dough into a thin tube and cut it into 16 small segments.

Take one segment of dough, use one finger to push in the center to form a cup shape.

Scoop one piece of the filling into the dough cup using a small spoon.

Wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball, repeating this for all 16 pieces.

In a pot, bring enough water to a boil to accommodate the rice balls.

Carefully add the rice balls one by one into the boiling water, ensuring they have enough space to float.

Once the rice balls are in the water, gently touch them to ensure they are not sticking to the bottom.

Most of the rice balls will float within a few minutes; if not, gently push them to encourage floating.

Once they start floating, continue boiling for another 5 minutes.

Add a few goji berries for garnishment and switch off the heat.

Transfer 3 or 4 rice balls into a serving bowl and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens