bean paste rice dumplings

How to Make Red Bean Paste Zongzi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Red bean paste zongzi, a beloved Chinese delicacy, combines chewy glutinous rice with sweet, fragrant red bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaves. Here’s a simple guide to making this traditional treat.

Ingredients: Glutinous rice (2 cups), dried red beans (1 cup), sugar (to taste), bamboo leaves (20-30, soaked overnight), cooking twine.

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Soak red beans for 4 hours, then boil until soft. Mash into a paste, stir in sugar, and cook until thick. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the rice: Rinse glutinous rice 3–4 times, soak for 2 hours, then drain.

3. Wrap the zongzi: Take two bamboo leaves, overlapping them to form a cone. Add 1 tbsp rice, 1–2 tbsp red bean paste, then top with more rice to fill. Fold leaves into a pyramid shape and tie tightly with twine.

4. Cook: Place zongzi in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for 2 hours. Reduce heat and simmer for another 1–2 hours until tender.

Let cool before unwrapping. The result? A sweet, satisfying snack with a hint of bamboo aroma. Perfect for festivals or everyday enjoyment!