20+ Healthy Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Bean Recipes to Try This Year

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Among the most beloved desserts served during this festive season are sweet rice bean recipes.

These treats, often made from glutinous rice and various types of beans, offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

In Chinese culture, sweet beans are not only known for their delicious taste but also for their symbolic meaning, such as prosperity, longevity, and good health in the coming year.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newcomer to Chinese culinary traditions, these 20+ Chinese New Year sweet rice bean recipes will inspire you to create mouthwatering desserts that your loved ones will cherish.

From sweet rice balls (Tang Yuan) to mung bean cakes, these recipes showcase a variety of flavors and fillings that have been passed down through generations.

Many of these dishes are infused with rich, earthy ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seeds, and black sesame, all wrapped in soft, chewy rice dough.

Some recipes also feature a refreshing touch of ginger syrup or a sprinkle of coconut, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional treat or something a bit more modern, you’ll find a recipe that’s perfect for your Chinese New Year celebrations.

20+ Healthy Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Bean Recipes to Try This Year

Sweet rice bean desserts are an essential part of Chinese New Year festivities, offering not only delicious flavors but also symbolic significance.

From nourishing mung bean treats to indulgent red bean-filled rice cakes, these recipes will add a special touch to your celebrations.

The joy of sharing these handmade treats with friends and family is a meaningful tradition that connects us to the past while welcoming the future.

By trying out these 20+ Chinese New Year sweet rice bean recipes, you can bring a piece of Chinese culinary culture to your table and create new memories with every bite.

So why not embrace the spirit of the holiday and dive into these time-honored recipes?

After all, Chinese New Year is all about sharing love, good fortune, and, of course, great food!

Sweet Rice Bean Soup (Tang Yuan)

Tang Yuan, a traditional Chinese dessert, is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year celebrations. This sweet rice bean soup is made with glutinous rice flour dough filled with sweet black sesame paste, served in a warm, lightly sweetened soup. The round shape of the dumplings symbolizes unity and completeness, making it a popular treat for family gatherings and New Year festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional)
• 4 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (or white sugar)
• 2 slices of ginger

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: In a small pan, toast the black sesame seeds over low heat for 3-4 minutes, then grind them into a fine powder. Mix the sesame powder with sugar and peanut butter (optional) to form a thick paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with warm water and vegetable oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more rice flour; if too dry, add more water.
3. Shape the dumplings: Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one with your fingers. Place a small spoonful of the sesame paste in the center of each disc, then carefully seal the dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the ginger slices and rock sugar. Once the water is boiling, gently drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook the dumplings for about 5-7 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
5. Serve: Ladle the sweet soup and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.

Tang Yuan is a comforting and festive dish that offers a sweet and savory flavor profile. The soft, chewy dumplings paired with the aromatic ginger soup create a warm and satisfying treat. Eating this dish during Chinese New Year is believed to bring good luck and happiness for the year ahead, symbolizing family unity and togetherness. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the rich sesame filling to shine, making it a beloved tradition for many.

Red Bean Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

Nian Gao is a sticky rice cake traditionally made during Chinese New Year to symbolize prosperity and growth. The addition of red bean paste creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a satisfying dessert. This recipe brings together the rich flavor of sweetened red beans with the chewy, glutinous rice, delivering both tradition and taste in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1 cup cooked red bean paste (or sweetened red beans)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt
• Banana leaves (optional, for wrapping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice flour mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, sugar, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth batter.
2. Prepare the red bean paste: If using pre-made red bean paste, ensure it is smooth. If you’re using cooked red beans, mash them and mix them with sugar to sweeten.
3. Assemble the cake: Grease a heatproof dish or a bamboo steaming basket. Pour a thin layer of the rice flour batter into the dish. Spread a layer of red bean paste on top, and then pour the remaining rice flour batter over it.
4. Steam the cake: Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Steam the cake on high heat for about 45-60 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the top doesn’t dry out. The cake is done when it becomes firm and slightly translucent.
5. Serve: Allow the rice cake to cool before slicing into pieces. If you used banana leaves, remove them carefully before serving.

Red Bean Sweet Rice Cake is a cherished dessert that not only tastes delightful but also carries deep cultural significance. The soft, chewy texture of the glutinous rice contrasts beautifully with the smooth, sweet red bean paste. This cake is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing growth and the promise of a successful year ahead. Its rich flavor and sticky consistency make it a perfect treat for sharing with loved ones.

Sweet Coconut Rice Bean Balls (Coconut Tang Yuan)

Coconut Tang Yuan is a variation of the classic Tang Yuan, filled with sweetened mung bean paste and coated in shredded coconut. This version offers a tropical twist to the traditional Chinese dessert, making it an exciting option for festive occasions. The coconut adds a delightful texture and fragrance, complementing the soft rice dough and creamy filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup mung beans (soaked and boiled)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for soup)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: Drain the soaked mung beans and cook them in a pot of water until soft. Mash the beans into a smooth paste and stir in sugar to taste.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with a little water to form a dough. Add coconut milk if you’d like a richer flavor.
3. Shape the dumplings: Take small portions of dough and flatten them with your hands. Place a spoonful of the mung bean paste in the center and seal the dough around it to form a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding the sugar to sweeten the soup. Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water. When they float to the surface, they are ready.
5. Coat with coconut: Roll the cooked rice balls in shredded coconut, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. Serve: Place the coconut-coated rice balls into bowls with some of the sweetened soup and serve immediately.

Coconut Tang Yuan offers a refreshing take on the classic dessert, with the sweet mung bean filling and tropical coconut coating making each bite a unique experience. The smooth texture of the rice dough complements the chewy coconut coating, making it a delightful treat for Chinese New Year. As with the traditional Tang Yuan, this dish symbolizes family unity and the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. The coconut adds a new layer of flavor that enhances the traditional enjoyment of the dish, making it perfect for those seeking a familiar yet exotic dessert.

Sweet Black Sesame Rice Balls (Black Sesame Tang Yuan)

Black Sesame Tang Yuan is another variation of the classic Chinese New Year rice dumplings, filled with a rich and nutty black sesame paste. This sweet, warm dessert is popular for its deep, aromatic flavor and the smooth, creamy texture of the sesame filling. Often served in a delicate ginger-sweetened syrup, this dish symbolizes family unity, happiness, and prosperity, making it a perfect choice for celebrating the New Year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons honey (for the filling)
• 1/4 cup water (for the dough)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (or white sugar)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the black sesame filling: Toast the black sesame seeds in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Grind the seeds into a fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Mix the ground sesame with sugar, honey, and vegetable oil to form a smooth, thick paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with water to create a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one.
3. Form the dumplings: Place a small spoonful of the black sesame paste in the center of each flattened dough disc. Carefully fold the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once the water is boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the dumplings into bowls and pour the sweet ginger soup over them. Serve hot.

Black Sesame Tang Yuan is a traditional Chinese dessert that delivers a rich, nutty flavor in every bite. The black sesame filling is the star of the dish, with its deep, slightly sweet taste complementing the chewy rice dough. This dessert is particularly loved for its symbolic meaning during Chinese New Year, representing family unity and a prosperous year ahead. With the addition of the aromatic ginger syrup, it brings warmth and comfort, making it a beloved treat during festive occasions.

Sweet Red Bean Rice Pudding (Zhi Ma Zhi Fan)

Sweet Red Bean Rice Pudding, or Zhi Ma Zhi Fan, is a creamy and comforting dessert that combines glutinous rice and red bean paste in a simple yet delicious way. The soft texture of the rice paired with the sweet and earthy flavor of the red beans creates a warm and satisfying dish perfect for winter celebrations like Chinese New Year. This dish is also said to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 1/2 cup red bean paste (or cooked sweetened red beans)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional for extra richness)
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup sugar (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for about 1 hour.
2. Cook the rice: In a large saucepan, combine the soaked rice with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes). If using coconut milk, add it once the rice is cooked for a richer flavor.
3. Mix in red bean paste: Once the rice is cooked and still warm, stir in the sweet red bean paste and sugar. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans and rice to meld together.
4. Serve: Spoon the pudding into bowls, garnish with a little extra red bean paste or coconut milk, and serve warm.

Sweet Red Bean Rice Pudding is a cozy, rich dessert that embodies the comforting qualities of traditional Chinese desserts. The tender, glutinous rice combines beautifully with the sweetened red beans, creating a texture and flavor that is both satisfying and delightful. This dessert is often served to symbolize a prosperous new year, as it is associated with wealth and good fortune. Its creamy, slightly sweet taste makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a traditional yet heartwarming dish to their Chinese New Year celebrations.

Lotus Seed Sweet Rice Balls (Lotus Seed Tang Yuan)

Lotus Seed Tang Yuan is a variation of the classic Tang Yuan dessert, filled with a smooth lotus seed paste. Known for its delicate and slightly floral flavor, lotus seed paste offers a unique twist on the traditional sesame or red bean filling. This dessert is symbolic of purity, harmony, and good health, making it a perfect dish to enjoy during Chinese New Year festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup lotus seeds (soaked overnight)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the filling)
• 1/4 cup water (for the dough)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lotus seed paste: Drain the soaked lotus seeds and cook them in a pot of water for about 20 minutes until they are soft. Drain and mash the seeds into a smooth paste. Mix the paste with sugar and vegetable oil to form a thick filling.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more rice flour. Divide the dough into small portions.
3. Shape the dumplings: Flatten each portion of dough with your hands, placing a spoonful of lotus seed paste in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once the water is boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the dumplings float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the dumplings into bowls, serving with the sweetened ginger soup. Enjoy while still warm.

Lotus Seed Tang Yuan is a refined and delicate dessert that carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing purity and well-being. The soft, chewy rice dumplings paired with the fragrant lotus seed paste create a balanced and soothing flavor. This dessert is perfect for those who want to enjoy a traditional Chinese New Year treat with a light yet aromatic twist. Its gentle sweetness and symbolic meaning make it a perfect choice for family gatherings and festive occasions.

Sweet Taro Rice Balls (Taro Tang Yuan)

Sweet Taro Rice Balls, or Taro Tang Yuan, is a delicious variation of the traditional Tang Yuan dessert. The smooth and earthy taro filling inside the soft, chewy rice dough offers a satisfying balance of textures. The vibrant purple color of the taro filling makes it visually striking, while the natural sweetness and unique flavor of taro make it a perfect treat for Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s often served in a fragrant ginger syrup, making it even more comforting and festive.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1 medium taro root (peeled and steamed)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the taro filling: Steam the taro until soft (about 15-20 minutes). Once steamed, mash the taro until smooth. Stir in the sugar, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth and slightly sweet paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of the taro filling in the center of each dough portion. Gently fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls and pour the sweet ginger syrup over them. Serve warm and enjoy!

Taro Tang Yuan offers a delightful twist on the classic rice ball dessert. The creamy, earthy taro filling inside the chewy glutinous rice dough is both satisfying and flavorful. This dish is a beautiful and unique choice for Chinese New Year celebrations, as its purple color represents wealth and prosperity, while its rich texture symbolizes family unity and good fortune. Paired with a fragrant ginger syrup, Taro Tang Yuan is a comforting, visually striking dessert that will be a hit at any festive gathering.

Sweet Mung Bean Rice Balls (Mung Bean Tang Yuan)

Sweet Mung Bean Rice Balls, or Mung Bean Tang Yuan, offer a light, sweet, and refreshing alternative to the more traditional rice ball fillings. The mung bean paste is naturally sweet and smooth, and when paired with the chewy glutinous rice dough, it creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Often served in a light ginger syrup, this dessert is perfect for Chinese New Year, symbolizing the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup mung beans (soaked for at least 2 hours)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the filling)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mung bean filling: Drain the soaked mung beans and cook them in water for about 15-20 minutes until soft. Drain and mash the beans until smooth. Stir in sugar, vegetable oil, and salt to create a sweet paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth, non-sticky dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of the mung bean paste in the center of each flattened dough disc. Carefully fold the dough around the paste, sealing it to form a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Spoon the rice balls into bowls, pour the sweet ginger syrup over them, and serve warm.

Mung Bean Tang Yuan is a light, refreshing dessert that offers a subtle sweetness and a smooth texture. The mung bean paste is an ideal filling, providing a delicate, earthy flavor that complements the chewy glutinous rice dough. This dish is a perfect addition to any Chinese New Year celebration, symbolizing the sweetness and simplicity of life, while also bringing a sense of prosperity and joy. With its gentle sweetness and the aromatic ginger soup, Mung Bean Tang Yuan is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Sweet Peanut Rice Balls (Peanut Tang Yuan)

Sweet Peanut Rice Balls, or Peanut Tang Yuan, is a popular variation of the classic Chinese rice dumpling, filled with a crunchy, sweetened peanut mixture. The roasted peanuts bring a rich, nutty flavor to the soft, chewy rice balls, making for a satisfying dessert. Often served with a simple ginger syrup, this dish symbolizes happiness, good health, and an abundance of blessings, making it a fitting treat for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
• 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the peanut filling: In a food processor, grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse paste. Add sugar and vegetable oil, then stir to combine until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of the peanut filling in the center of each flattened dough portion. Carefully fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls, pour the sweet ginger syrup over them, and serve warm.

Peanut Tang Yuan is a delightful and comforting treat that adds a nutty and sweet twist to the classic rice dumpling. The smooth peanut filling provides a rich, savory taste that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy rice dough. This dessert is perfect for Chinese New Year, as peanuts symbolize longevity and abundance in Chinese culture. With its crunchy, sweet center and the aromatic ginger soup, Peanut Tang Yuan is sure to bring joy and blessings to your festive celebrations.

Red Bean Sweet Rice Balls (Red Bean Tang Yuan)

Red Bean Sweet Rice Balls, or Red Bean Tang Yuan, is a traditional Chinese dessert that blends the soft and chewy texture of glutinous rice with a sweet red bean paste filling. Red beans, known for their natural sweetness and health benefits, are often used in Chinese New Year celebrations as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. This dessert is a comforting and flavorful treat, served in a sweet ginger syrup, perfect for ushering in a joyful new year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup red beans (adzuki beans), soaked for at least 2 hours
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the filling)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the red bean filling: Drain the soaked red beans and cook them in water for about 40 minutes, or until soft. Drain and mash the beans until smooth. Stir in sugar and vegetable oil to create a sweet, smooth paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth, pliable dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of the red bean paste in the center of each dough portion. Carefully fold the dough around the paste and roll it into a ball, making sure it is sealed well.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, adding ginger slices and rock sugar. Once the water is boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Spoon the rice balls into bowls, pour the sweet ginger syrup over them, and serve warm.

Red Bean Tang Yuan is a classic and beloved Chinese dessert, perfect for Chinese New Year or any festive occasion. The rich, sweet red bean paste contrasts beautifully with the chewy glutinous rice dough, creating a comforting treat that warms the soul. The dessert not only tastes delicious but also holds symbolic meaning, representing family unity and the wish for a prosperous and happy year ahead. With its comforting ginger syrup, Red Bean Tang Yuan is a dessert that brings sweetness and warmth to every celebration.

Black Sesame Sweet Rice Balls (Black Sesame Tang Yuan)

Black Sesame Sweet Rice Balls, or Black Sesame Tang Yuan, is a decadent dessert featuring a filling made from roasted black sesame seeds and sugar. The nutty, aromatic filling contrasts beautifully with the chewy, soft rice dough. Black sesame is known for its rich, earthy flavor and numerous health benefits, including improving circulation and boosting vitality. This dessert, served in a sweet, lightly spiced ginger syrup, is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and flavor to Chinese New Year festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds (roasted)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the black sesame filling: Grind the roasted black sesame seeds into a fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Stir in sugar and vegetable oil until the mixture forms a thick paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth, non-sticky dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one into a disc.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a small spoonful of the black sesame filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough around the filling and roll into a ball, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding ginger and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls, pour the sweet ginger syrup over them, and serve warm.

Black Sesame Tang Yuan is a unique and flavorful dessert that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The black sesame paste filling is rich and aromatic, complementing the chewy rice dough. In addition to its delicious taste, this dessert is also believed to have various health benefits, making it a wholesome choice for the new year. As a symbol of longevity and vitality, Black Sesame Tang Yuan is an elegant and comforting treat that will bring a special touch to your Chinese New Year celebrations.

Lotus Seed Sweet Rice Balls (Lotus Seed Tang Yuan)

Lotus Seed Sweet Rice Balls, or Lotus Seed Tang Yuan, is a delicately sweet dessert featuring lotus seeds, which symbolize purity and tranquility in Chinese culture. The smooth, slightly crunchy lotus seed paste is wrapped in soft, chewy glutinous rice dough, creating a perfect contrast of textures. Traditionally served in a fragrant ginger syrup, this dish represents harmony and peace, making it an ideal dessert for the New Year or any festive occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup dried lotus seeds (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the filling)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lotus seed filling: Drain and cook the soaked lotus seeds in water for about 30 minutes, or until soft. Drain and mash them to form a smooth paste. Stir in sugar and vegetable oil to create a soft, sweet paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth, pliable dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a small spoonful of the lotus seed paste in the center of each dough disc. Carefully fold the dough around the paste and seal the edges to form a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, adding ginger slices and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls, pour the sweet ginger syrup over them, and serve warm.

Lotus Seed Tang Yuan is a beautifully simple dessert that celebrates purity, harmony, and peace. The slightly crunchy lotus seed paste inside the chewy glutinous rice dough creates a satisfying contrast, and the sweet ginger syrup enhances the overall flavor. This dish is an ideal choice for Chinese New Year, as lotus seeds are traditionally seen as symbols of peace and spiritual growth. With its soothing flavors and delicate textures, Lotus Seed Tang Yuan will bring a sense of tranquility and good fortune to any celebration.

Mung Bean Sweet Rice Balls (Mung Bean Tang Yuan)

Mung Bean Sweet Rice Balls, or Mung Bean Tang Yuan, are a delightful variation of the traditional rice ball dessert, featuring a smooth and subtly sweet mung bean paste filling. Mung beans are often used in Chinese cooking for their cooling properties and are believed to bring good health and vitality. Paired with chewy glutinous rice dough and served in a fragrant ginger syrup, these rice balls offer a unique balance of flavor and texture, making them a perfect treat for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup mung beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for the mung bean paste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the mung bean paste)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mung bean filling: Drain the soaked mung beans and cook them in water for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth. Stir in sugar and vegetable oil to form a thick, sweet paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each one.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of mung bean paste in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball, ensuring the paste is fully sealed inside.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, adding ginger slices and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls and pour the ginger syrup over them. Serve warm.

Mung Bean Tang Yuan offers a delicate and nutritious twist on the traditional sweet rice ball dessert. The mung bean paste provides a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the soft and chewy glutinous rice dough. Traditionally believed to aid in digestion and promote good health, mung beans are the perfect filling for a dessert that symbolizes good fortune and vitality for the coming year. This simple yet satisfying treat is an excellent way to bring a refreshing and wholesome element to your Chinese New Year festivities.

Sweet Lotus Root Rice Balls (Lotus Root Tang Yuan)

Sweet Lotus Root Rice Balls, or Lotus Root Tang Yuan, are a unique and slightly savory-sweet dessert made from lotus root and glutinous rice dough. Lotus root is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its crunchy texture and health benefits, such as promoting digestion and heart health. In this recipe, lotus root is combined with sugar to create a mildly sweet filling that is encased in soft, chewy rice dough and served in a light ginger syrup. This dessert is not only delicious but also has symbolic meaning, representing longevity and prosperity.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup lotus root, finely grated
• 3 tablespoons sugar (for the lotus root filling)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the lotus root filling)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lotus root filling: Grate the lotus root and squeeze out any excess water. In a pan, cook the lotus root with sugar and a little vegetable oil, stirring until it becomes soft and forms a sticky paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each portion into a disc.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a small spoonful of the lotus root paste in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough around the filling and seal it to form a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, adding ginger slices and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Spoon the rice balls into bowls and pour the ginger syrup over them. Serve warm.

Sweet Lotus Root Tang Yuan is an unusual yet delicious dessert that combines the crunchiness of lotus root with the smooth, chewy texture of glutinous rice dough. The subtle sweetness of the lotus root filling, paired with the aromatic ginger syrup, makes this dish a refreshing choice for Chinese New Year. The lotus root itself symbolizes longevity and vitality in Chinese culture, making this dessert the perfect way to ring in the new year with good health and prosperity. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes Sweet Lotus Root Rice Balls an unforgettable treat at any celebration.

Sweet Date and Walnut Rice Balls (Jujube and Walnut Tang Yuan)

Sweet Date and Walnut Rice Balls, or Jujube and Walnut Tang Yuan, is a rich, flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of jujube dates with the crunch of walnuts. Jujube dates, known for their high nutritional value, are believed to promote health and longevity. When paired with the earthy flavor of walnuts, this filling creates a delicious and wholesome combination. Served in a sweet ginger syrup, these rice balls make for a festive and healthy dessert, perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup jujube dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for the filling)
• 3 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or white sugar (for soup)
• 2 slices ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: Chop the jujube dates and walnuts into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the chopped dates, walnuts, and sugar to form a sticky paste.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with enough water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece into a disc.
3. Shape the rice balls: Place a spoonful of the date and walnut paste in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough around the filling and seal it into a ball.
4. Cook the dumplings: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, adding ginger slices and rock sugar. Once boiling, drop the rice balls into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice balls float to the surface.
5. Serve: Ladle the rice balls into bowls and pour the ginger syrup over them. Serve warm.

Jujube and Walnut Tang Yuan offers a delicious and healthful twist on the classic sweet rice ball dessert. The combination of sweet jujube dates and crunchy walnuts provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, chewy rice dough. Jujubes are known for their nourishing properties, and walnuts are rich in nutrients that are said to support brain health and longevity. This dessert, served in a fragrant ginger syrup, symbolizes good health, prosperity, and vitality—perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year with family and friends. Its unique flavor profile makes it a standout dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!