Traditional Ba Bao Fan (Eight Treasures Rice)
Traditional Ba Bao Fan, also known as Eight Treasures Rice, is a popular Chinese dessert enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Made with glutinous rice and a blend of fruits, nuts, and seeds, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. It is filled with a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, from the soft, sticky rice to the crunchy nuts and the sweet fruits. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, Ba Bao Fan is a treat that's both satisfying and visually stunning.
Equipment
- arge pot or rice cooker
- Steamer (for final steaming step)
- Heatproof bowl (for steaming)
- Strainer (for rinsing rice)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 2 cups of glutinous rice
- ½ cup lotus seeds
- ½ cup dried longans
- ½ cup jujubes red dates
- ¼ cup red beans
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons rock sugar optional, for sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse glutinous rice and soak for 3 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Ingredients: Combine soaked rice, lotus seeds, longans, jujubes, red beans, and water. Cook until rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Nuts & Seeds: Stir in walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, and rock sugar (if using).
- Steam and Serve: Transfer to a heatproof bowl, steam for 10-15 minutes, and serve warm or cold.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: Lotus seeds can be replaced with dried white fungus, and red beans with kidney beans.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat by steaming or microwaving.