Yields:
2 Servings
Difficulty: Difficult
Prep Time: 1 Hr
Cook Time:
10 Mins
Total Time:
1 Hr 10 Mins
Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls, also known as Tangyuan, are a traditional and time-honored delicacy in China. Its history can be traced back to the ancient Han ethnic traditional festival called the Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao Festival.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. On this day, people light up colorful lanterns, enjoy lantern displays, solve riddles, and make and consume Tangyuan to symbolize reunion and good wishes. Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls have a delightful sweet taste with a soft and chewy outer layer, making them especially beloved by children.
Ingredients
Adjust Servings
Instructions
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In a skillet, toast the black sesame seeds over low heat for about 5-6 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
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Grind the toasted black sesame seeds in a food processor or blender until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the granulated sugar and pork lard or butter. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes until frozen.
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In a separate bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and boiling water. Gradually add room temperature water, a little at a time, while stirring, until a smooth and slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 teaspoon of additional glutinous rice flour. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water. Cover the dough with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
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Divide the dough into 18 small portions and roll each portion into a ball. Cover the balls with plastic wrap.
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Divide the mixture of black sesame seeds into 18 small portions and shape each portion into a ball.
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Take one dough ball and flatten it with your hands. Place one portion of black sesame filling in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully seal the dough around the filling, making sure there are no gaps or openings.
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Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and black sesame filling.
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water and cook for about 7-8 minutes or until they float to the surface.
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Serve the black sesame glutinous rice balls as a dessert. Drizzle them with Osmanthus syrup.
