Ring in the Chinese New Year with a delightful twist on tradition: these decadent Black Sesame Lava Dumplings! Imagine the satisfying chew of soft, pillowy dough yielding to a molten heart of rich, nutty black sesame filling. This recipe elevates the classic tangyuan to a sophisticated level, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a luxurious treat during the festive season. The deep, earthy flavor of black sesame is balanced beautifully with just the right amount of sweetness, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. These dumplings are surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
This recipe offers a step-by-step guide, ensuring you achieve perfectly formed dumplings with a flawlessly gooey center. From preparing the delicate black sesame paste to mastering the art of wrapping the dough, we'll walk you through each stage with clear instructions and helpful tips. Get ready to create a truly memorable Chinese New Year celebration with these irresistible Black Sesame Lava Dumplings – let's get cooking!
Tools Needed
- frying pan
- grinder
- glass plan
- melon baller
- pot
Ingredients
- black sesame seeds: 5 tablespoons
- palm sugar: 1/4 cup
- coconut oil: 1/2 cup
- salt: 1/8 teaspoon
- glutinous rice flour: 1 package (approximately 2 cups)
- water: 1 1/4 cup (or more, as needed)
- ginger: 3 slices
- Demerara sugar: 1/3 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Filling and Dough
- Toast black sesame seeds over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, until fragrant and nutty.
- Grind palm sugar until pulverized. Add coconut oil and salt, mix until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to harden.
- combine glutinous rice flour and water gradually until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms. Set aside a small amount for dusting.
Step 2. Assemble and Freeze the Dumplings
- Using a melon baller, scoop out small portions of the hardened coconut oil mixture for the filling.
- Take a small portion of dough (ping-pong ball size), flatten it into a 2-inch circle, place a teaspoon of filling in the center, and seal the dumpling tightly.
- Freeze the dumplings for at least an hour (or overnight) to firm up the filling.
Step 3. Make the Ginger Syrup
- simmer ginger slices and Demerara sugar in water until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat.
Step 4. Cook and Serve the Dumplings
- Cook the dumplings in boiling water over medium-high heat until they float. Then, cover the pot, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 3-4 minutes to ensure the dough is cooked through.
- Serve the warm dumplings immediately with the ginger syrup.
Read more: Sugar-Free Red Date Cake: A Healthy Chinese New Year Treat
Tips
- Toast the sesame seeds well to bring out their nutty flavor. Taste-test to ensure they are toasted to your liking.
- The salt enhances the sweetness of the filling.
- Work quickly with the coconut oil filling to prevent it from melting too much. Use a melon baller to create uniformly shaped fillings.
- Seal the dumplings tightly to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Freezing the dumplings helps the filling firm up and prevents bursting during cooking.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Ensure the dumplings are fully cooked through to avoid hard, uncooked dough in the center.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the black sesame filling ahead of time?
Yes! The black sesame filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you're making the dumplings.
2. What if my dumplings burst while cooking?
This usually happens if the dough is too thin or the filling is too hot. Ensure the dough is rolled to a consistent thickness and allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping.
These Black Sesame Lava Dumplings are a delightful and impressive addition to any Chinese New Year celebration. The combination of chewy dough and luscious black sesame filling is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy cooking, and Gong Xi Fa Cai!