Teresa's Recipes
Glutinous Rice Balls in Syrup
Indulge in the delightful taste of Glutinous Rice Balls in Syrup, a beloved traditional Chinese dessert that embodies warmth and comfort. These sweet, chewy rice balls, often enjoyed during festivals such as the Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice, are a symbol of family unity and togetherness. Served in a fragrant syrup infused with ginger and delicate osmanthus flowers, each bite is a harmonious blend of texture and flavor that is sure to captivate your senses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Glutinous rice flour
- 3/4 cup (for the dough) + 2 cups (for the syrup) Water
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1-inch piece, sliced Fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon, dried Osmanthus flowers
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 18g
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of glutinous rice flour with 3/4 cup of water. Mix until a smooth dough forms; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the rice balls to the boiling water. They are cooked when they float to the surface, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar, the sliced ginger, and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Once the rice balls are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them into the syrup. Let them simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finally, stir in the dried osmanthus flowers, remove from heat, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the glutinous rice balls warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of additional osmanthus flowers if desired.
Tips
- For a twist, consider adding a filling to the rice balls such as sweet red bean paste or chopped nuts.
- If you cannot find osmanthus flowers, you can replace them with a few drops of osmanthus extract or simply omit them for a simpler syrup.