Chinese sweet dumplings to commemorate the dead

 

Qingtuan, the sweet, jade-colored dumplings, hold a special place in Chinese culture as they are eaten to commemorate the dead during the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day. Here's a glimpse into the significance of this traditional delicacy and a recipe to make them at home:

Significance of Qingtuan:

• Qingtuan is a symbolic food consumed during the Qingming Festival in China, where people pay respects to their ancestors by visiting their graves, sweeping the tombs, and offering food and incense.
• Originating from the Jiangnan region in eastern China, qingtuan is made with glutinous rice flour and infused with mugwort, giving it its distinctive green color and a fragrant aroma.
• Traditionally, qingtuan was eaten as a cold dish during the Hanshi Festival, also known as Cold Food Day, where lighting fires was prohibited. Over time, it became associated with the remembrance of the dead during the Qingming Festival.

Qingtuan Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 180g (6⅓oz) glutinous rice flour
• 50g (1¾oz) rice flour
• 43g (1½oz) caster sugar
• 8g (1½ tsp) mugwort powder (wheatgrass powder or barley grass powder may be substituted)
• 185g (6½oz) water
• 200g (7oz) red bean paste
• Neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed, for coating

Method:

1. Prepare Dough: Whisk together glutinous rice flour, rice flour, caster sugar, and mugwort powder in a bowl. Add water and knead into a smooth dough. Divide into 10 equal pieces.

2. Prepare Filling: Divide red bean paste into 10 balls.

3. Assemble Dumplings: Roll each dough piece into a ball, press an indent, and place a ball of red bean paste inside. Pinch to close and roll into a smooth sphere.

4. Steam Dumplings: Steam dumplings on a heat-proof plate over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until firm and glossy.

5. Finish: Coat dumplings with a light layer of neutral oil using a pastry brush. Let cool and serve at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Qingtuan represents a cherished tradition of honoring ancestors and commemorating the dead in Chinese culture. Whether enjoyed during the Qingming Festival or as a nostalgic treat, these sweet dumplings bring families together and evoke a sense of cultural heritage and remembrance. Try making them at home to experience a taste of this rich tradition.