The eight-treasure rice pudding is a well known traditional Chinese dessert, cooked with sticky rice and 8 different freshly dried fruits (typically called dates here in general) and nuts. This food has been through several thousand years and spreads the entire nation. The ingredients used in each place are largely identical but with minor differences. The eight-treasure rice pudding from south of Yangtse River is one of the most well-known varieties and has become a delicacy in Chinese traditional banquet.

Ingredients:

a). For step 1 & 2:

• 2 cups (320g, or 11 oz.) glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 2 cups (400 cc) water
• 1 tablespoon lard (another key ingredient, do not replace it with other oil)
• 4 tablespoons sugar

• lotus seed
• candied cherries
• dried dates
  Small amount for each, or any amount you prefer

• 300g (10 oz.) red sieved bean (mashed bean)
• 3 tablespoons lard
• 1 cup (200cc) water
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

1. Wash and soak glutinous rice 5 ~ 6 hours. Drain. Add proper amount of water. Steam for 1 hour.
2. Add sugar and lard to rice while hot. Mix well.
3. Sieve bean, add lard and sugar. Mix well.
4. Chop dried fruits. Coat deep bowl with lard. Arrange fruits to be displayed attractively.
5. Place rice in bowl. Add bean filling in center. Close with remaining rice. Steam again for 15 minutes.
6. Place plate over bowl. Turn over (rice is now on the plate). Boil 6 tablespoons sugar with 1 cup water. Thicken with cornstarch diluted with water. Pour over pudding and serve hot.

Nutritional information:
Yield: 4 servings
Each serving provides:
Calories: 756
Protein: 24.4 g

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