Chou Sha Tangyuan”抽纱汤圆”（chōu shā tāng yuán）.
Gently holding a tangyuan in my hand, it is as white as jade, delicate and tender. Scooping up a spoonful of hot soup, the fragrance fills the air, bringing warmth to the heart. Carefully taking a bite, the soft outer layer and the filling blend together in my mouth. The sweet taste of glutinous rice and the smooth sesame paste dance on my taste buds, as if playing the strings of my soul. Each mouthful is not only a delight to the palate but also a grateful appreciation of happiness.”Chou Sha Tangyuan” is not just a delicious food but also an extension of emotions. In this cold season, savoring the steaming hot tangyuan, my thoughts inevitably drift back to the kitchen in my hometown. Back then, my mother would lovingly wrap each tangyuan, and each one carried her love and care. In that warm and peaceful family, tangyuan became a symbol of togetherness, making family bonds even stronger.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 2 min | 10 min | 2 | soft, sticky, sweet | Easy |
| Tangyuan | 500g |
| Flour | 10g |
| Edible oil | 5g |
Steps:
1.Take a pot, ignite the heat source, and pour in a suitable amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is heated, it emits an enticing aroma. Next, take out the freshly purchased frozen tangyuan from the refrigerator. They are frozen solid and shimmer with crystal-clear radiance. There is no need to thaw them beforehand; simply place these cold tangyuan into the pot, and they immediately sizzle and release a crackling sound as steam rises vigorously. To ensure that the tangyuan heats evenly and develops a crispy exterior, add a small amount of water to the pot. The combination of water and oil creates a unique steaming effect, allowing the tangyuan to cook uniformly. As the moisture evaporates, a warm fragrance permeates the kitchen, creating a sense of tranquility and comfort. Gently cover the pot with a lid, adjust the heat to low, and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
2.Prepare a clean, dry bowl, ensuring that there is no oily residue or impurities on the surface. Precisely measure 10 grams of flour and gently pour it into the bowl. Next, slowly add a suitable amount of water. It is better to start with a small quantity and use chopsticks or a whisk to mix the flour and water thoroughly until there are no lumps. Gradually increase the amount of water while continuing to stir until the batter becomes smooth without being too thin. Once the batter reaches the appropriate consistency, you can begin adding cooking oil. A moderate amount of oil makes the dough softer and easier to handle. Slowly pour in the cooking oil while stirring continuously to ensure even distribution within the batter. Keep stirring the batter until it becomes smooth, elastic, and free of any granular substances. This process may require some patience and time to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
3.Add the prepared sauce to the pot with the cooking tangyuan, and simmer over low heat for 4 minutes. As time passes, you will observe the gradual evaporation of the water in the pot. When all the water has evaporated, the surface of the tangyuan will develop a hollow, latticed texture, which is a crucial indicator of successful frying. This crispy golden exterior is visually appealing and enhances the appetite. Once the tangyuan’s surface becomes golden and crispy, and all the water in the pot has evaporated, they are ready to be removed from the heat.
Tips:
- Use an appropriate amount of water: Add enough water to the pot, but not too much, to avoid affecting the frying process. The water helps evenly distribute the heat and generates steam to accelerate the cooking process.
- Cover the pot: Remember to cover the pot during the frying process. This helps maintain the temperature inside the pot, speeds up cooking, and ensures that the tangyuan cook evenly.
Close your eyes and feel as if you are in a peaceful village, witnessing the wafting smoke from the kitchen and inhaling the aroma filling the air. Memories of the past emerge, accompanied by the taste of tangyuan, bringing forth an endless stream of recollections. These beautiful memories moisten the heart like a gentle drizzle, providing immense happiness and satisfaction. Tangyuan not only offers gustatory pleasure but also brings about a sense of spiritual joy. It allows us to experience the simplest yet most genuine happiness in life because each tangyuan represents the transmission of family, warmth, and love. Let us savor this bowl of tangyuan, filled with artistic inspiration, letting it guide us into the river of time, relishing those warm and precious moments. In this unique delicacy, we find solace and contentment, discovering the simplest yet most exquisite happiness life has to offer.