Northeastern cuisine, especially through the lens of Chinese culinary traditions, brings forth a delightful treat known as snowcovered bean paste. This exquisite dessert features a soft, chewy exterior made from glutinous rice flour, encasing a rich, sweetened red bean paste. Often served during festive occasions or as a simple snack, its preparation invites both creativity and simplicity in home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Outer Layer:
200g glutinous rice flour
50g sugar
200ml water
Potato starch or corn starch (for dusting)
For the Filling:
150g red bean or adzuki beans
100g sugar (adjust to taste)
A pinch of salt
Home Cooking Method
Step 1: Prepare the Red Bean Paste
1. Cook the Beans: Rinse the adzuki beans thoroughly. Soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and transfer them to a pot with fresh water, then bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until tender (approx. 11.5 hours).
2. Mash the Beans: Once cooked, drain excess water, and mash the beans in a mixing bowl. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Allow the paste to cool and then refrigerate until firm.
Step 2: Make the Dough
1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Steam the Dough: Place the dough in a heatproof container and steam for about 2025 minutes until translucent and fully cooked.
Step 3: Assemble the SnowCovered Bean Paste
1. Shape the Dough: Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a clean surface dusted with potato starch. Cut it into small pieces, approximately 30g each.
2. Encapsulate the Paste: Flatten each piece of dough in your palm, place a tablespoon of red bean paste in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around the paste. Pinch and roll to form a neat ball.
3. Dust with Starch: Gently coat the balls in a light dusting of potato starch to prevent sticking and enhance the snowlike appearance.
Step 4: Serve
Arrange the snowcovered bean paste on a serving platter. These delicacies can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
By making snowcovered bean paste at home, you not only celebrate the unique flavors of Northeastern cuisine but also experience the joy of crafting traditional delicacies. Each bite is reminiscent of snowkissed landscapes, offering a fusion of texture and taste that keeps you coming back for more.