Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound taro root, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Steamer
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Small saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Steam the diced taro root until soft, about 20-25 minutes. Mash the taro with a fork or food processor until smooth.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed taro, glutinous rice flour, sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a plate and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, toast the black sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. In a food processor or blender, grind the toasted sesame seeds until fine. Add honey, cornstarch, salt, and 1/4 cup cold water. Blend until smooth.
6. In a separate pot, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the taro balls and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove the taro balls from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of cold water to cool.
8. Serve the taro balls with the sesame sauce on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Steamer: Medium heat
- Saucepan: Medium heat
- Pot of water: High heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Taro root can be substituted with sweet potato or pumpkin.
- Glutinous rice flour can be substituted with regular rice flour or all-purpose flour.
- Black sesame seeds can be substituted with white sesame seeds or ground peanuts.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the taro dough for added texture.
- Use a different sauce, such as chocolate or caramel, instead of sesame sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to mash the taro root until smooth to avoid lumps in the dough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
- To prevent the taro balls from sticking together, roll them in a little bit of oil before cooking.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover taro balls and sesame sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, steam the taro balls for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Reheat the sesame sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the taro balls and sesame sauce in separate bowls and let guests assemble their own dessert.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- None needed, this dessert can stand alone!
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the taro balls fall apart while cooking, the dough may be too wet. Add more flour to the dough and try again.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Use caution when working with hot steam and boiling water.
Food History:
- Taro is a root vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a starchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
- The taro balls are slightly sweet and have a chewy texture. The sesame sauce is nutty and slightly sweet.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack.
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