Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding

By Betty Fussell

Total Time
2 hours 10 minutes
Rating
4(16)
Comments
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Here is a sticky, sweet end to a Chinese repast, and most of it can be prepared a few days ahead of time. Red-bean paste and candied fruits can be found in most Asian markets, or try the Asian-food aisle at a supermarket for lichees.

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Ingredients

Yield:Four to six servings
  • 1cup glutinous rice, red or white, see note
  • 2tablespoons sugar
  • 2tablespoons peanut oil
  • ½cup sweetened red-bean paste, see note
  • 1cup Chinese preserved or candied fruits, such as lotus nuts, gingko nuts, lichees, loquat, preserved lemons, ginger, plums, dates, see note

    • The Sauce

    • 1cup water
    • ¼cup sugar
    • 1teaspoon cornstarch
    • Rind of 1 lemon, grated
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rinse the rice under running water, drain it and put it in a saucepan with one cup of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, cover the pot, lower heat and cook over very low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the sugar and oil and mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Grease a three- to four-cup mold or heat-proof bowl with a little oil or shortening. Cut the fruit in thin slices and press them onto the bottom and sides of the bowl in a decorative pattern.

  3. Step 3

    Spoon half the rice over the fruit and press down to make an even layer. Spread on a layer of bean paste. Spread the remaining rice over the paste and pack down. (The rice can be refrigerated 3 or 4 days if needed).

  4. Step 4

    When ready to cook, place the mold, covered with a lid or foil, in the top of a steamer and steam the mixture for one hour.

  5. Step 5

    Make a sauce by combining the water and sugar in a saucepan. Dissolve the cornstarch in one tablespoon of water and add to the sugar water. Stir over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon rind.

  6. Step 6

    Unmold the rice pudding onto a platter and pour the sauce over the top.

Tip
  • All the ingredients in these recipes are available in Manhattan's Chinatown. A good source for items like lotus leaves and red rice is the Chinese-American Trading Company at 91 Mulberry Street. Ingredients can also be ordered by mail from Kam Kuo Food Corporation, 7 Mott Street, New York, N.Y. 10013.

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4 out of 5
16 user ratings
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Comments

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KEGS

I made this last year and plan to make it again. It was very popular with my family and friends. I used some Maraschino cherries to give a bright red 'lucky' color.

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