Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)

Zongzi are delicious sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with a savory mix of ingredients. These gluten-free treats are perfect for a unique snack or light meal, offering a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice - 200 grams
• Dried bamboo leaves - 8 pieces
• Pork belly, diced - 100 grams
• Dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and diced - 2 pieces
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Soy sauce (gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon
• Five-spice powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Chestnuts, chopped - 50 grams
• Green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 1 liter

Steps

1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. In a bowl, mix the diced pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, salt, soy sauce, five-spice powder, chopped chestnuts, and green onions. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. While the rice is soaking, soak the bamboo leaves in hot water for about 30 minutes to soften.
4. Drain the rice and divide it into two portions.
5. Lay out 2 bamboo leaves, overlapping them slightly, and create a pocket by folding the leaves upwards.
6. Place a layer of rice at the bottom of the pocket, add a generous amount of the pork mixture, then top with another layer of rice.
7. Fold the leaves over the top to seal the dumpling and secure it with kitchen twine or strips of bamboo leaves.
8. Repeat the process for the remaining dumplings.
9. In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil and add the dumplings, ensuring they are fully submerged.
10. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep the dumplings covered.
11. Once cooked, carefully remove the dumplings from the pot, let them cool slightly, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of energy from carbohydrates.
• Contains protein from pork and chestnuts, supporting muscle health.

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