Introduction to Qingtuan
Qingtuan, also known as green rice ball, is a traditional Chinese snack made of glutinous rice flour and mugwort or barley grass. It is a popular food during the Qingming Festival, which is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring ancestors. Qingtuan is usually green in color and has a sweet, sticky taste. Here are the five steps to make Qingtuan:
Step 1: Soak the Glutinous Rice
Firstly, soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 2 hours. This will make the rice more sticky and easier to shape into balls.
Step 2: Mix the Rice Flour and Mugwort Powder
Next, mix the glutinous rice flour with mugwort powder or barley grass powder to create the green color. The ratio of rice flour to powder should be around 2:1. Add some water and knead the mixture until it becomes a dough.
Step 3: Shape the Dough into Balls
Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball shape. Repeat until all the dough is used up. The size of the balls can vary according to personal preference.
Step 4: Boil the Qingtuan
Boil a pot of water and add the Qingtuan balls. Cook for around 5 minutes until they float to the surface of the water. Then, remove them from the pot and rinse with cold water.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar or Sesame Seeds
Finally, coat the Qingtuan with sugar or sesame seeds to add some sweetness and texture. The Qingtuan is now ready to be served!
Conclusion
Qingtuan is a delicious and healthy snack that is easy to make at home. It is a great way to celebrate the Qingming Festival and honor ancestors. Try making your own Qingtuan today!