Ginger-Sesame Tang Yuan

Chinese · Spring · 30 min · Serves 4 · By Lesapor Test Kitchen

Tang Yuan is a traditional Chinese dessert that symbolizes unity and happiness. This beginner-friendly recipe creates a delightful small-batch dessert perfect for spring, highlighting the warmth of ginger and the nutty aroma of sesame.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup black sesame paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh ginger, sliced

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and 1/2 cup water. Knead into a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water, a teaspoon at a time.
2. Divide the dough into 16 small pieces and roll each into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball slightly, add 1/2 teaspoon of black sesame paste in the center, then close and roll back into a ball.
4. In a medium pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add the ginger and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the ginger flavor.
5. Gently drop the filled rice balls into the ginger syrup. Cook them until they float to the surface, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve the Tang Yuan hot in small bowls with a ladle of ginger syrup.