osmanthus glutinous rice lotus root recipe

How to Make Sweet Osmanthus and Glutinous Rice Lotus Root

Sweet osmanthus and glutinous rice lotus root, a classic Chinese dessert, delights with its tender texture, fragrant aroma, and balanced sweetness. Here’s a simple guide to crafting this delicacy.

Ingredients: 1 fresh lotus root, 150g glutinous rice, 100g rock sugar, 2 tablespoons dried osmanthus flowers, 10 red dates (optional), and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the lotus root: Choose a thick, straight lotus root. Peel it and cut both ends. Carefully stuff the glutinous rice into each hole until full (use a chopstick to help if needed). Secure the sections with toothpicks to prevent leakage.

2. Cook the lotus root: Place the stuffed lotus root in a pot, add water to cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours over medium-low heat until tender. Add rock sugar and red dates (if using) in the last 30 minutes.

3. Infuse with osmanthus: Turn off the heat and stir in dried osmanthus flowers. Let it steep for 15 minutes to absorb the floral fragrance.

4. Chill and serve: For a better taste, chill the dessert in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Slice into rounds and drizzle with the sweet osmanthus syrup.

Tips: Soak glutinous rice for 2 hours to speed up cooking. Choose tender lotus root to avoid a woody texture. This dessert is perfect as a midday snack or after-dinner treat, offering a comforting blend of earthy lotus root, sticky rice, and delicate osmanthus aroma. Enjoy!