Soothing warmth

By Pauline D Loh (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-13 10:34

Red bean porridge with dried lily bulbs, lotus seeds

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

Soothing warmth

300g red bean (adzuki beans)

100g dried lotus seeds, soaked

50g dried lily bulb, soaked

1 small piece aged citrus peel (optional) 2 l water Rock sugar to taste

Method:

1. Wash the red beans and discard any that float to the top. Remove stray bits of dried pod, sand or grit.

2. Bring the water to a boil and add the beans, lotus seeds and lily bulb. Add citrus peel, if using. Let mixture boil on high for five minutes and turn heat down to barely above a simmer. Boil for at least 45 minutes to an hour.

3. Check to see that all the beans have "flowered" and the lotus seeds are tender.

4. Add rock sugar to taste. Serve hot as a porridge.

FOOD NOTES:

Do not add sugar to the pot until the beans are thoroughly cooked, otherwise the beans will seize up and stay hard. If you have any left-over dessert, pour the cooled porridge into large ice-trays. They make lovely ice lollies.

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