Banana leaf nian gao

Recipe for banana leaf nian gao

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Recipe intro

Banana Leaf Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese dessert made with glutinous rice flour and sweetened red bean paste, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This delightful treat is popularly enjoyed during the Lunar New Year festivities, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The combination of the soft and chewy texture of the nian gao with the aromatic banana leaves creates a unique and irresistible flavor. Whether you're celebrating the holiday or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Keywords: Banana leaf, Nian gao, Chinese dessert, Lunar New Year, Steamed

Banana leaf nian gao details

Banana leaf nian gao, recipe Rating: 4.4
Number of votes:90 INGREDIENTS:

Makes 2 (4 inch)

(A)

200g Gula Melaka (palm sugar)

100g castor sugar

250ml water

4 pandan leaves, tied in a knot

(B)

200g glutinous flour, sifted

100g tung min flour, sifted

300ml concentrated coconut milk

1 tbsp oil

Banana leaves, for lining moulds

Oil for greasing

METHOD:

1. Bring a pan of water to boil. Immerse banana leaves into boiling water and continue to boil for a while until banana leaves soften .

2. Drain the boiled water. Grease moulds with oil and line moulds with banana leaves. Set aside.

Combine Gula Melaka, castor sugar, water and pandan leaves in a pan. Heat on low fire until sugars dissolve. Stir at all time . Cook until syrup is golden in colour. Discard pandan leaves and set syrup aside to cool.

Combine ingredients (B) in a mixing bowl. Stir well.

Add syrup in Step (3) into flour mixture . Mix well.

Pour mixture into lined moulds. Steam over rapid boiling water for 2 hours.

Leave Nian Gao until they are completely cool before wrapping with cling film and store in fridge.

NOTES:

1. Boiled water removes wax on the leaves and softens them.
2. Make sure you add HOT BOILED water into steamer. DO NOT add cold water. This will slow the steaming down.
3. Avoid water condensate at steamer’s lid from dropping to the Nian Gao. Dry lid with a cloth every time you uncover the steamer.

4. It is easier to cut/slice Nian Gao when you just take it out from  fridge. It is not too sticky. To make cutting easier, wet your knife with some water before each slicing.