brewing rice dumplings

How to Make Tangyuan in Fermented Rice Soup: A Comprehensive Guide

Tangyuan in fermented rice soup, or *Jiu Nian Yuan Zi*, is a beloved Chinese dessert with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making it at home.

### Ingredients

For the tangyuan: 200g glutinous rice flour, 100ml warm water, 1 tbsp sugar.

For the fermented rice soup: 500ml fermented rice (jiuniang), 200g rock sugar, a few dried osmanthus flowers (optional), and 20-30 tangyuan.

### Steps

1. Prepare the Tangyuan Dough

In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a soft, smooth dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then divide into small balls (about 2-3cm in diameter). Tip: Coat hands with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Tangyuan

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop in the tangyuan balls. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Make the Fermented Rice Soup

In a separate pot, combine fermented rice and rock sugar. Add 200ml water and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.

4. Combine and Serve

Place the cooked tangyuan into the warm fermented rice soup. Add dried osmanthus flowers for fragrance if desired. Simmer for 1 more minute. Serve hot in bowls for a comforting, traditional treat.

Enjoy your homemade *Jiu Nian Yuan Zi*—perfect for chilly days or festive celebrations!