making crystal sugar glutinous rice lotus root

How to Make Sweet and Glutinous Rice Lotus Root

Sweet and glutinous rice lotus root, a beloved Chinese dessert, combines the earthy crunch of lotus root with the chewiness of glutinous rice and the sweetness of rock sugar. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 1 fresh lotus root, 100g glutinous rice, 50g rock sugar, 10 red dates (optional), 1 tablespoon honey.

Steps:

1. Prepare the lotus root: Choose a thick, intact lotus root. Peel it and cut both ends. Carefully stuff the glutinous rice into each hole using a chopstick until about 80% full. Seal the holes with toothpicks to prevent rice from leaking out.

2. Cook the lotus root: Place the stuffed lotus root in a pot, cover with water, and add rock sugar and red dates. Simmer over medium heat for 1.5–2 hours until the lotus root is tender and the rice is cooked.

3. Enhance the flavor: Let it cool in the liquid to absorb sweetness. Before serving, remove the toothpicks, slice the lotus root into 1cm rounds, and drizzle with honey.

Tips: For a richer taste, use dark rock sugar or add a pinch of osmanthus flowers. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or warm as a comforting dessert. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its translucent rice embedded in the golden lotus root slices. Enjoy this delightful blend of textures and flavors!