Are you in search of a comforting Chinese dessert that will indulge your sweet tooth without requiring complex ingredients or intricate preparation? Look no further, as we have just the treat for you! Discover the joy of a simple yet delightful Chinese dessert that is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Sure! Let me introduce you to some classic Chinese desserts that are not only simple but also absolutely delightful. From the popular Peking Sweet Dumplings to the mouthwatering Mango Pancakes, these desserts will surely satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting. So get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and textures of these traditional Chinese treats!
Peking Sweet Dumplings
Introduction
Peking Sweet Dumplings, also known as Tanghulu, are a beloved traditional dessert that originated in Beijing, China. These delightful treats consist of skewered fruits such as hawthorn berries or strawberries that are coated in a shiny, candy-like shell. The contrast between the tartness of the fruit and the sweetness of the coating creates a unique flavor experience that is loved by many.
Ingredients
To make Peking Sweet Dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
- Skewered fruits (such as hawthorn berries or strawberries)
- White sugar
- Water
- Optional: food coloring for vibrant colors
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Optional: If you want to add vibrant colors to your dumplings, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the sugar syrup.
- Dip the skewered fruits into the sugar syrup, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Place the coated fruits on a tray lined with parchment paper and allow them to cool and harden.
- Once the sugar coating has hardened, your Peking Sweet Dumplings are ready to be enjoyed! Just take a bite and experience the wonderful blend of sweet and sour flavors.
Almond Tofu
Introduction
Almond Tofu, also known as Almond Jelly, is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Despite its name, it does not contain any actual tofu. Instead, it is made from almond milk, which gives it a creamy and nutty taste. This silky smooth dessert is often served with a sweet syrup or fruit toppings.
Ingredients
To make Almond Tofu, you will need the following ingredients:
- Almond milk
- Gelatin or agar-agar powder
- Sugar
- Water
- Optional: flavored syrup or fruit toppings for serving
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. Do not let it boil.
- Dissolve the gelatin or agar-agar powder in water according to the package instructions.
- Slowly pour the dissolved gelatin or agar-agar mixture into the hot almond milk, stirring continuously until well combined.
- Add sugar to taste and stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes or a larger mold and refrigerate for several hours or until set.
- Once the Almond Tofu is set, it is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as it is or drizzle it with your favorite flavored syrup or add some fresh fruit toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
Red Bean Soup
Introduction
Red Bean Soup, also known as Hong Dou Tang, is a classic Chinese dessert that is commonly enjoyed year-round. This comforting and naturally sweet soup is made from red beans, which are simmered until tender and then sweetened with sugar. It is often served warm, making it the perfect dessert to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
To make Red Bean Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- Red beans (also known as adzuki beans)
- Water
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Optional: coconut milk for added creaminess
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- In a large pot, add the red beans and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours or until the beans are soft and tender.
- Once the red beans are cooked, add sugar or sweetener of your choice to taste. Stir until the sweetener has dissolved.
- You can choose to serve the Red Bean Soup as is or add a splash of coconut milk for an extra layer of creaminess. Simply ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm for a comforting and satisfying dessert.
Black Sesame Soup
Introduction
Black Sesame Soup, known as Hei Zhi Ma Tang, is a popular Chinese dessert that has a rich and nutty flavor. Made from black sesame seeds, this smooth and velvety soup is often enjoyed as a dessert or as a sweet snack. It is believed to have various health benefits, such as promoting healthy skin and improving digestion.
Ingredients
To make Black Sesame Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- Black sesame seeds
- Water
- Rice flour or cornstarch
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
Instructions
- In a dry skillet, toast the black sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Grind the toasted black sesame seeds in a blender or food processor until they turn into a fine powder.
- In a saucepan, combine the black sesame powder with water and rice flour or cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add sugar or sweetener to taste, and continue cooking and stirring for a few more minutes until the sweetener has dissolved.
- Once the Black Sesame Soup has reached the desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Sweet Rice Balls
Introduction
Sweet Rice Balls, also known as Tangyuan, are a popular Chinese dessert that is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. These small glutinous rice balls are typically filled with sweet ingredients such as red bean paste, black sesame paste, or peanut butter. The chewy texture of the rice balls combined with the gooey filling makes for a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.
Ingredients
To make Sweet Rice Balls, you will need the following ingredients:
- Glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Sweet filling of your choice (such as red bean paste, black sesame paste, or peanut butter)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into round balls.
- Take a rice ball and flatten it with your fingers. Place a small amount of sweet filling in the center.
- Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside the rice ball, making sure there are no gaps.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until you have made all the Sweet Rice Balls.
- In a pot of boiling water, carefully drop the Sweet Rice Balls in and cook until they float to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked and ready to be served.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer the cooked Sweet Rice Balls to a bowl of cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
- Once cooled, drain the Sweet Rice Balls and they are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them in a sweet soup or enjoy them on their own.
Tangyuan
Introduction
Tangyuan, or Sweet Rice Balls, are a beloved Chinese dessert that is typically served during festivals and special occasions. These colorful and chewy dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, black sesame paste, or peanut butter. Tangyuan symbolize togetherness and are often enjoyed with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make Tangyuan, you will need the following ingredients:
- Glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Sweet filling of your choice (such as red bean paste, black sesame paste, or peanut butter)
- Optional: food coloring for vibrant colors
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth dough.
- If desired, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each portion for vibrant colors.
- Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a small ball.
- Flatten the ball with your fingers and place a small amount of sweet filling in the center.
- Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside the dumpling, making sure there are no gaps.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until you have made all the Tangyuan.
- In a pot of boiling water, carefully drop the Tangyuan in and cook until they float to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked and ready to be served.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer the cooked Tangyuan to a bowl of cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
- Once cooled, drain the Tangyuan and they are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them in a sweet soup or simply savor them on their own.
Steamed Egg Custard
Introduction
Steamed Egg Custard, also known as Ji Dan Gao, is a silky and smooth dessert that is often enjoyed as a sweet treat or served as a dim sum dish. This classic Chinese dessert consists of a delicate custard made from eggs, sugar, and milk or water. It has a comforting and mild flavor that is both satisfying and light on the palate.
Ingredients
To make Steamed Egg Custard, you will need the following ingredients:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Milk or water
- Optional: vanilla extract or other flavorings of your choice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and milk or water until well combined.
- Optional: You can add a few drops of vanilla extract or other flavorings to enhance the taste of the custard.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or air bubbles.
- Pour the custard mixture into individual ramekins or a larger heatproof dish.
- Steam the custard over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it is set. You can test the doneness by gently wiggling the dish – if the custard is slightly firm and does not jiggle excessively, it is ready.
- Carefully remove the Steamed Egg Custard from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Osmanthus Jelly
Introduction
Osmanthus Jelly, also known as Gui Hua Gao, is a delicate and fragrant Chinese dessert that is loved for its subtly sweet and floral taste. Made using osmanthus flowers that are steeped in hot water, this jelly-like dessert has a refreshing and light texture. It is often enjoyed on special occasions or as a way to cleanse the palate after a meal.
Ingredients
To make Osmanthus Jelly, you will need the following ingredients:
- Dried osmanthus flowers
- Water
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Agar-agar powder or gelatin
- Optional: red dates or goji berries for added flavor and decoration
Instructions
- In a bowl, pour hot water over the dried osmanthus flowers and let them steep for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the osmanthus-infused water into a saucepan and discard the flowers.
- Add sugar or sweetener of your choice to the osmanthus-infused water and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sweetener has dissolved.
- While the osmanthus-infused water is simmering, dissolve agar-agar powder or gelatin in water according to the package instructions.
- Once the sweetener has dissolved, add the dissolved agar-agar powder or gelatin to the saucepan and stir until well combined.
- Optional: If desired, you can add some red dates or goji berries to the mixture for added flavor and decoration.
- Pour the mixture into individual molds or a larger dish and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the Osmanthus Jelly for several hours or until it is set.
- Once set, the Osmanthus Jelly is ready to be served and enjoyed! The delicate floral flavor and jelly-like texture make it a delightful dessert that is both visually appealing and delicious.
Coconut Tapioca Pudding
Introduction
Coconut Tapioca Pudding, also known as Bua Loy Nam Kang, is a creamy and comforting Thai-inspired dessert that has gained popularity in Chinese cuisine. This delightful treat features chewy tapioca pearls submerged in a rich and creamy coconut milk soup. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
To make Coconut Tapioca Pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
- Tapioca pearls
- Water
- Coconut milk
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Optional: Pandan leaves or vanilla extract for added fragrance
Instructions
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, heat the coconut milk over medium heat. If using pandan leaves, you can add them to infuse the coconut milk with their aromatic fragrance. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Add sugar or sweetener of your choice to the coconut milk and stir until fully dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Optional: If you do not have pandan leaves, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the coconut milk mixture and stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the pearls become translucent and the flavors meld together.
- Once the Coconut Tapioca Pudding is done, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. The creamy coconut milk and chewy tapioca pearls create a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mango Pancakes
Introduction
Mango Pancakes are a delightful dessert that combines the goodness of pancakes with the tropical sweetness of mangoes. This popular Hong Kong-style dessert features a fluffy pancake filled with fresh mango slices and a luscious mango cream. It is a perfect treat for mango lovers and those who enjoy a light and fruity dessert.
Ingredients
To make Mango Pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh mangoes
- Whipping cream or heavy cream
- Optional: mango puree for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and baking powder until you have a smooth pancake batter.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
- Pour a small ladleful of the pancake batter onto the pan and spread it into a round shape. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip the pancake and cook the other side until lightly golden. Repeat until all the batter is used, stacking the pancakes on a plate as you go.
- Once the pancakes are cooked and cooled, it’s time to assemble the Mango Pancakes. Peel and slice fresh mangoes into thin slices.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Optional: If desired, you can fold in some mango puree for an extra burst of mango flavor.
- Take a pancake and spread a layer of whipped cream on top. Arrange a few slices of mango on the cream and fold the pancake in half or into a roll. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling.
- Once all the Mango Pancakes are assembled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as they are or drizzle some mango puree on top for an extra touch of sweetness. The combination of fluffy pancakes, juicy mangoes, and creamy filling creates a delightful dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
In conclusion, these classic Chinese desserts are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re craving something sweet and tangy like the Peking Sweet Dumplings, creamy and nutty like the Almond Tofu, or refreshing and fragrant like the Osmanthus Jelly, there’s a dessert on this list that will surely satisfy your cravings. So go ahead and try your hand at making these traditional Chinese treats to experience the rich flavors and textures that have delighted people for generations.
