Lunar New Year is a time of joy, family gatherings, and of course, delicious desserts! These sweet treats hold a special significance during the celebration, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. One of my favorite recipes to whip up for this occasion is a delightful steamed dessert made with glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. Trust me, this Lunar New Year dessert inspiration is not only easy to make but also brings a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your loved ones. The chewy exterior combined with the sweet mung bean filling is a match made in heaven! Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the magic of this festive treat!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup mung bean paste
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
How to Prepare Lunar New Year Dessert Inspiration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this delightful Lunar New Year dessert is a breeze! Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended and smooth. The mixture should have a thick, pudding-like consistency—don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky, that’s totally normal!
Next, you’ll want to add in the creamy coconut milk. Mix it in until it’s beautifully smooth. Now, here comes the fun part! Divide the dough into small portions—about the size of a golf ball works perfectly. On a clean surface, flatten each portion slightly and scoop a spoonful of the sweet mung bean paste into the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and shape it into a smooth ball, ensuring the mung bean paste is completely sealed inside. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; the charm is in their handmade look!
Once you’ve shaped all your balls, it’s time to steam! Arrange them in a steamer lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Steam for about 20 minutes—this is where the magic happens, and the flavors meld together. When they’re done, garnish with some grated coconut for an extra touch of sweetness before serving. Wow, your friends and family with these beautiful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy celebrations!
- A delightful blend of chewy and sweet flavors that everyone will adore.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it’s inclusive for all your guests.
- Steaming method keeps the dessert light and fluffy.
- Customizable with food coloring for a festive touch—make them as vibrant as you like!
Tips for Success
To get this Lunar New Year dessert just right, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, make sure to measure the glutinous rice flour accurately; too much can make the texture too dense. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a festive look—kids love this! Remember to check the water level in your steamer to avoid drying out your dessert. And don’t rush the steaming process; those 20 minutes are crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way!
Nutritional Information Section
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each delightful ball of this Lunar New Year dessert inspiration. Each serving contains about 120 calories, with 3 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 20 grams of carbohydrates, including 5 grams of sugar. Just a heads up, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, you can enjoy these sweet treats knowing they’re a satisfying and delicious way to celebrate!
FAQs
Can I substitute the glutinous rice flour? While glutinous rice flour is essential for that chewy texture, you can try using sweet rice flour as a substitute, but the results may vary.
What can I use instead of mung bean paste? If mung bean paste isn’t available, red bean paste or even a sweetened peanut butter can work well and still taste fantastic!
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover dessert balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll still be delicious!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and steam them just before serving for a fresh taste.
Is this dessert gluten-free? Yes, since it’s made with glutinous rice flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a delightful option for gluten-sensitive friends!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Lunar New Year dessert balls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days—just make sure they’re sealed well to maintain their moisture! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply steam the balls for a few minutes to warm them up. This will help refresh their chewy texture and bring back that delightful coconut flavor. If you prefer, you can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but I recommend steaming for the best results. Enjoy your tasty treats!
Print
Lunar New Year Dessert Inspiration: 5 Sweet Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup mung bean paste
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
Instructions
- Mix glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add coconut milk and mix until smooth.
- Divide the mixture into small portions.
- Flatten each portion and add a spoonful of mung bean paste.
- Wrap and shape into a ball.
- Steam the balls for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with grated coconut before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Use food coloring for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lunar new year, dessert, celebration, festive
