Zilaihong's recipe

How to Make Zilaihong: A Classic Chinese Pastry

Zilaihong, or "自来红," is a traditional Beijing snack loved for its soft, sweet center and tender crust. Here’s a simple guide to making these delightful treats at home.

Ingredients: For the dough: 150g all-purpose flour, 30g brown sugar, 1 tsp yeast, 80ml warm water, 10g vegetable oil. For the filling: 100g mixed nuts (walnuts, sesame seeds, melon seeds), 50g crushed osmanthus cake, 20ml maltose, a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Mix flour, yeast, and warm water until a smooth dough forms. Add brown sugar and oil, knead until elastic. Let it rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Make the filling: Chop nuts finely, combine with osmanthus cake, maltose, and salt. Mix into a thick paste.

3. Shape the pastries: Divide the dough into small balls (about 50g each). Flatten each, add a spoonful of filling, and seal tightly. Roll into a round shape, pressing gently.

4. Cook: Heat a pan over low heat. Add a little oil, place the pastries, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.

Tip: For a richer flavor, let the filled pastries rest for 10 minutes before cooking. Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea!

These pastries are crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and packed with nutty sweetness—a perfect homemade delight.