< img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=464718686177573&ev=PageView&noscript=1" /> Savoring Tradition: Delicious Dishes for Qingming Festival - Good healthy recipes for family Print
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Savoring Tradition: Delicious Dishes for Qingming Festival


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  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 30minutes

Description

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a significant occasion in Chinese culture where families honor their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the burial sites, and offering food and other tributes. Traditional foods play a central role in this commemoration, symbolizing respect, remembrance, and the continuity of familial ties across generations.

One of the most iconic dishes associated with the Qingming Festival is Qingtuan, also known as “green rice balls.” These glutinous rice balls are filled with sweet bean paste or sesame paste and wrapped in fragrant leaves, such as reed or bamboo leaves, then steamed to perfection. Qingtuan’s vibrant green color, derived from the leaves, symbolizes the arrival of spring and renewal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 cup wheat starch (or cornstarch)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mugwort juice (or 1 teaspoon mugwort powder mixed with water) (Note: If you can’t find mugwort, you can use matcha powder for a green color and slight flavor variation.)

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1:Prepare the Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour, rice flour, wheat starch (or cornstarch), and sugar.
  • Gradually add the warm water and mugwort juice (or matcha mixture) while stirring to form a smooth dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Adjust the water quantity if needed.
  • Add the vegetable oil and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2:Divide the Dough

  • Divide the dough into equal-sized portions, about 10-12 pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a disc with your palm.

Step 3:Add the Filling

  • Place a small spoonful of red bean paste in the center of each dough disc.
  • Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal it completely. Roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Step 4:Steam the Qingtuan

  • Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
  • Place the Qingtuan balls in the steamer, leaving some space between each ball.
  • Steam over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dough becomes translucent and slightly shiny.

Step 5:Cool and Serve

  • Remove the Qingtuan from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
  • Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Mugwort juice gives Qingtuan its distinctive green color and slightly bitter taste. If using fresh mugwort, blend the leaves with a small amount of water and strain to obtain the juice.
  • You can experiment with other fillings, such as sesame paste or peanut paste, for a different flavor.
  • Qingtuan can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them by steaming for a few minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 15minutes
  • Category: RECIPE