Gui Ling Gao

Introduction to Gui Ling Gao

Gui Ling Gao, often known as Turtle Jelly, is a traditional Chinese herbal dessert that finds its roots in China’s ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine. Originally made from the powdered shell of a turtle called Cuora trifasciata, this delicacy is believed to possess medicinal properties, promoting better skin texture and assisting in detoxification. With changes in wildlife conservation laws, the modern-day recipe often substitutes turtle shell with herbal ingredients like Smilax Glabra.

The dessert is typically black and slightly bitter due to the herbs used in its preparation. Despite its complex flavors, it has remained a popular dessert in Chinese culture, served both in traditional herbal shops and modern dessert places.

Ingredients

• Smilax Glabra powder - 30 grams
• Ramulus Cinnamomi - 20 grams
• Licorice root - 15 grams
• Dried Lotus Leaf - 10 grams
• Dandelion root - 10 grams
• Dried Imperatae - 10 grams
• Water - 1 liter
• Brown Sugar - 100 grams
• Jelly powder - 10 grams

Preparation Instructions

Before we start the cooking process, it’s important to understand how the herbal ingredients contribute to the dish. The Smilax Glabra is the core ingredient that replaces the original turtle shell. It helps cleanse the blood and improve skin health. Ramulus Cinnamomi and Licorice root not only add to the flavor but also help balance the body’s chi, especially during cold weather. The rest of the herbs provide additional health benefits, ensuring this dessert is both tasty and beneficial.

Preparing the Herbs

1. Begin by rinsing all the herbs: Ramulus Cinnamomi, Licorice root, Dried Lotus Leaf, Dandelion root, and Dried Imperatae, under cold running water to remove any impurities or dust.
2. Soak all the herbs in a large bowl of water for about 30 minutes. This helps to soften the herbs and extract their flavors during cooking.
3. After soaking, drain the herbs and set the water aside for use in the cooking process.

Cooking Process

1. In a large pot, combine the soaked herbs and the reserved herbal water. Add an additional 1 liter of water to the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 2 hours. Use a cooking timer to track the time.
3. After 2 hours, strain the liquid using a fine mesh sieve to remove all herb residues, leaving behind a rich and aromatic herbal tea.
4. Return the strained liquid to the pot and bring it back to a gentle boil. Stir in the brown sugar until it completely dissolves.
5. In a small bowl, mix the jelly powder with a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. Gradually add this paste to the herbal tea, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Continue to stir and cook the mixture for another 10 minutes until it thickens to your desired jelly-like consistency.
7. Once thickened, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly for about 15 minutes.

Molding and Chilling

1. Ladle the warm Gui Ling Gao into small bowls or molds of your choice.
2. Let the jelly come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours, or until it fully sets.

Enjoying Gui Ling Gao

To enjoy Gui Ling Gao at its best, serve it cold straight from the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of honey to counterbalance its slight bitterness. Some prefer serving it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of sweetened condensed milk for a richer dessert experience.

This rich, herbal dessert is not only a treat but also a wholesome end to any meal, rejuvenating both the body and the palate.