Sesame Balls with Red Bean Filling
Jian dui is a type of fried Chinese pastry made from glutinous rice flour. The pastry is coated with sesame seeds on the outside and is crisp and chewy. Inside the pastry is a large hollow, caused by the expansion of the dough.
Authentic sesame seed balls usually use a sweet red bean filling but you can swap this with sesame filling or even a peanut filling if you like.
Makes 12 balls
Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 20 minutes resting time
Cooking time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
🔺30g wheat starch
🔺150g glutinous rice flour, sifted
🔺3 teaspoons baking powder, sifted
🔺100g red bean paste
🔺1 cup water
🔺3/4 cup sugar
🔺150g white sesame seeds (untoasted)
🔺300ml vegetable oil, for deep-frying
🔸This dessert is better served while it’s still hot and it’s not suitable for storing in the fridge. Ideally, eat it as soon as possible for the best taste.
RED BEANS FILLING
🔺¼ cup red bean, dried (40 g)
🔺4 cups water (960 mL)
🔺¼ cup sugar (50 g)
Preparation
🔺Make the red bean filling: In a medium bowl, combine the red beans with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.
🔺Drain the red beans, then transfer to a small saucepan with the remaining 3 cups (720 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and cook for 1 hour, until soft enough to mash with a fork.
🔺Add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and a thick red bean paste forms.
🔺Transfer the red bean paste to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the paste to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Enjoy!
Happy Chinese New Year! 🧧
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