Eight Treasure Rice Pudding

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding, also known as Ba Bao Fan (八宝饭), is a traditional Chinese dessert that is typically enjoyed during festive occasions such as the Lunar New Year. This sweet, glutinous rice pudding is topped with eight different kinds of ingredients, each symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. The pudding is a beautiful combination of sticky rice, sweetened red bean paste, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts, offering both flavor and texture in every bite. For a detailed recipe, check out this Eight Treasure Rice Pudding Recipe.

Origin of Eight Treasure Rice Pudding:
The origin of Eight Treasure Rice Pudding can be traced back to the ancient Chinese imperial court, where it was prepared as a celebratory dish. The number eight is considered highly auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing wealth and abundance. Traditionally, the dish would be made with a variety of ingredients that represent the blessings of life, such as longevity, wealth, and happiness. Today, it is a popular dish during major holidays, particularly the Lunar New Year, where it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Why It’s Loved:
This pudding is loved for its combination of textures and flavors. The glutinous rice provides a chewy base, while the sweet toppings of fruits, nuts, and beans add both sweetness and crunch. The dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with the colorful array of ingredients creating a beautiful presentation. As a symbolic dish, it is often served as a gesture of goodwill and blessings during the Lunar New Year celebrations, making it a meaningful and enjoyable treat for all ages.

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice (soaked for 4 hours)

• 1/2 cup red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup dried lotus seeds

• 1/4 cup dried longan

• 1/4 cup dried jujube dates (chopped)

• 1/4 cup candied winter melon

• 1/4 cup dried goji berries

• 1/4 cup peanuts or walnuts

• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (to sweeten)

• 2 tbsp coconut milk (optional)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Rice:
  Rinse the soaked glutinous rice until the water runs clear. Steam the rice for about 30-40 minutes or until it becomes tender and sticky.
• Prepare the Toppings:
  In a small bowl, soak the dried lotus seeds and dried longan in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate them.
  Chop the dried jujube dates and candied winter melon into small pieces.
  Set aside the goji berries, peanuts, and walnuts.
• Assemble the Pudding:
  Once the rice is cooked, place it in a round, deep dish or a small bowl. Press it down gently to form a base.
  Spread a thin layer of red bean paste on top of the rice.
• Add the Toppings:
  Arrange the eight “treasures” on top of the red bean paste, creating a visually pleasing pattern. Use lotus seeds, longan, jujube dates, winter melon, goji berries, peanuts, and walnuts. You can be creative in how you arrange the toppings.
• Steam the Pudding:
  Steam the entire dish for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Sweeten and Serve:
  Once done, drizzle some honey or sugar over the top for added sweetness. You can also add a touch of coconut milk if you like a richer flavor.
  Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
• Enjoy:
  Serve the Eight Treasure Rice Pudding warm or at room temperature. It makes a delightful dessert or a symbolic offering during the Lunar New Year.

Notes

• Storage: This pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.