A Gentler Lantern Festival: Making Light & Bouncy Tofu Tang Yuan
As February brings a crisp chill to the air, the Lantern Festival arrives to mark the beautiful finale of the New Year season. And what is a Lantern Festival without a warm, comforting bowl of Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)?
For many, the dense texture of traditional glutinous rice can feel a bit heavy. This year, Superior Natural has developed a "Gut-Friendly" alternative. By incorporating silken tofu into the dough, we reduce the overall proportion of glutinous rice, creating a lighter, more balanced treat that’s gentler on your system without sacrificing that iconic chewy texture.
Why we love adding Silken Tofu to Tang Yuan:
Reduced Glutinous Rice: Replacing a portion of rice flour with tofu reduces the "heaviness" typically associated with traditional Tang Yuan.
Lighter Digestion: Adding our Organic soy protein creates a less dense dough, making it a more mindful choice for those sensitive to sticky rice products.
Clean Plant-Based Protein: Boosts the nutritional profile of your dessert with high-quality Organic soy protein.
Superior Texture: Tofu provides natural moisture, making the dough incredibly soft, pillowy, and less likely to crack.
Ingredients (Makes approx. 20 pieces)
【The Black Sesame Filling】
60g Black sesame powder
30g Unsalted butter (melted)
40g Powdered sugar
【The Tofu Dough】
200g Superior Natural Organic Silken Tofu
150g Glutinous rice flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
10g Purple yam powder (for a beautiful, natural festive purple)
A splash of water (only if needed to adjust dough consistency)
【The Nutritious Soup Base】
2 cups each of Superior Natural Unsweetened Soy Drink or Black Sesame Soy Drink (Choose based on your preference!)
Instructions:
Mix the sesame powder, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
The "Fun-guo" Method (For a Perfect Dough)
Mix the Silken Tofu, rice flour, and purple yam powder until a dough forms.
💡Take a small piece of the raw dough and boil it until it floats. Knead this cooked piece back into your raw dough. This technique increases elasticity and prevents the Tang Yuan from breaking apart during boiling.
Divide the dough into 20 portions, wrap each around a chilled sesame ball, and roll them smooth.
The "Dian Shui" Boiling Technique
💡Bring the water to a boil, then drop the Tang Yuan in. Once they float for the first time, add a small bowl of cold water. Wait for the water to return to a boil and for the Tang Yuan to float again.
Why add cold water?
This method, known as "Dian Shui," slows down the surface cooking. It allows heat to penetrate the thick dough evenly, ensuring the Tang Yuan is cooked perfectly through to the center while maintaining a firm, bouncy exterior.
Gently heat the Soy Drink. Use the Unsweetened version for a light, clean finish, or the Black Sesame version if you're a true sesame lover.
This Lantern Festival, enjoy the tradition with a modern, lighter twist.
By using Silken Tofu, you’re choosing a recipe that’s thoughtfully crafted for better balance and a happy tummy.
Ready to try this gentle treat? Tag us in your creations!
Wishing you a peaceful and "full-filled" Lantern Festival!
