Yuanxiao (Rice Dumplings)

Introduction
Yuanxiao, also known as tangyuan, is a traditional food for the Lantern Festival on the
fifteenth day of the first Chinese lunar month, which is generally considered the end of the
Chinese New Year season. The word yuanxiao means eve of the first day, and its round
shape is symbolic of family reunion, a major theme of the Chinese New Year.

Yuanxiao (Rice Dumplings)

Ingredients:
1 package glutinous rice powder (about 1 lb)
1 cup hot water
4 oz Chinese date or red bean paste
oz white sesame seeds
2 or 3 cups shortening or cooking oil
Instructions:
1. Mix rice powder and water to form dough.
2. Shape date or bean paste into 20 portions.
3. Knead dough gently and roll into a log about 1 inch in
diameter; divide into 20 slices.
4. Press each piece of dough at the center to make a hol-
low and place a portion of paste in it.
5. Gently press the dough to close it and shape it into a
ball (the yuanxiao).
6. Roll balls in sesame seeds until coated.
7. Heat oil to 350F (177C), then turn heat down to me-
dium high.
8. Deep-fry the yuanxiao until golden brown. (Option:
boil yuanxiao without sesame seeds. See recipe for
jiaozi for boiling method.) Serve warm. Serves 5.

42 Part 2: Food, Games, and Crafts