Zongzi (Dumplings in Bamboo or Reed Leaves)

Introduction
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food similar
to tamales. It is a special treat for the Duanwu or
Dragon Boat Festival. A tale about it is retold in
Part 3.

Zongzi (Dumplings in Bamboo or Reed Leaves)

Ingredients:
1 lb glutinous rice
lb red bean paste
20 pieces dried bamboo leaves (available in Asian groceries)
length of cotton twine or strong white thread
Instructions:
1. Rinse glutinous rice, soak for 4 hours, then drain.
2. Divide red bean paste into 10 portions.
3. Overlap two bamboo leaves lengthwise to make a
sheet one-and-a-half leaves wide.
4. Fold the bamboo sheet to form a cone.
1
5. Add 1 tbsp glutinous rice to the cone, then 10 of the
red bean paste. Top with 1 tbsp rice.
6. Fold the edges over to cover the top of the cone. Fas-
ten securely with twine or thread so that no contents
leak out.
7. Boil the zongzi for three hours. Drain, then arrange on
a platter and serve hot. Serves 5.

40 Part 2: Food, Games, and Crafts