Are you craving a comforting and delicious dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Hom Sui Gok, a delightful Cantonese sweet soup featuring delicate dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or whenever you need a little sweetness in your life. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for homemade cooking. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Red Bean Paste Filling:
- 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (optional, for thickening)
For the Hom Sui Gok Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water
- Pinch of salt
For the Soup:
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rock sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 piece of dried tangerine peel (optional, for aroma)
- 1 tablespoon dried longan (optional, for sweetness and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Sweet Red Bean Paste:
- Combine the rinsed red beans and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are very soft and easily mashed.
- Mash the cooked beans with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
- Stir in the sugar and tapioca starch (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste thickens to your desired consistency. Set aside to cool completely.
Making the Hom Sui Gok Dumplings:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a fork until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Roll the dough into a long cylinder and cut it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- Place a teaspoon of the cooled red bean paste in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
Cooking the Hom Sui Gok:
- Bring the 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rock sugar and optional dried tangerine peel and longan.
- Gently add the Hom Sui Gok dumplings to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
Tips for the Best Hom Sui Gok:
- For a smoother red bean paste, you can blend it with an immersion blender after mashing.
- Don't overfill the dumplings; otherwise, they might burst during cooking.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of both the red bean paste and the soup to your preference.
Variations:
- Add other ingredients to the soup, such as gingko nuts, lotus seeds, or dried seaweed.
- Use different types of beans, such as mung beans or black beans, for the filling.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of water for the soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. However, Hom Sui Gok is generally a relatively low-fat, high-carbohydrate dessert, providing energy from the beans and sugars. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator based on your specific recipe ingredients and serving size. It's a delicious and satisfying way to incorporate some healthy elements into your dessert routine.
This easy-to-follow recipe offers a quick dinner idea or a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious and fulfilling taste of homemade Hom Sui Gok!