Chinese Osmanthus Cake, also known as Osmanthus Jelly, is a traditional and beloved dessert that is particularly popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The sweet and delicate aroma of osmanthus flowers combined with the soft, translucent texture makes it an irresistible delicacy. Here’s how you can make this sumptuous treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 200g Osmanthus flowers (dried)
– 500ml Water for boiling flowers
– 1 cup (200g) Glutinous rice flour
– 3 cups (750ml) Water for cooking the flour mixture
– 200g Rock sugar or white granulated sugar
– Additional water for dissolving sugar
Instructions:
1. **Preparation of Osmanthus Syrup**:
– Rinse the dried osmanthus flowers under cold water to remove any impurities.
– In a pot, bring 500ml of water to a boil. Add the cleaned osmanthus flowers and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to infuse the water with their fragrance and flavor.
– Strain the osmanthus-infused water into a bowl, discarding the flower solids.
2. **Making the Rice Flour Mixture**:
– In another pot, dissolve the rock sugar in approximately 1 cup of water over medium heat until fully dissolved, creating a syrup.
– Slowly add the glutinous rice flour to the syrup while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in the remaining 2 cups of water, whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. **Cooking and Flavoring the Osmanthus Cake**:
– Pour the prepared osmanthus syrup into the rice flour mixture, stirring well to combine.
– Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, indicating it has reached a jelly-like consistency.
4. **Setting and Cooling**:
– Once cooked, immediately pour the hot mixture into a greased rectangular dish or individual molds.
– Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set firmly.
5. **Serving**:
– To serve, slice the chilled Osmanthus Cake into desired portions and garnish with additional dried osmanthus flowers if desired. Enjoy the sweet, floral taste and refreshing chewy texture.
This simple recipe yields a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in China. Experiment with the sweetness and consistency according to your preference, and enjoy the fragrant indulgence of homemade Osmanthus Cake!