Hangzhou Lotus Petal Tart

Introduction

The Hangzhou Lotus Petal Tart is a traditional Chinese dessert originating from Hangzhou, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque West Lake. This exquisite tart captures the essence of lotus - a symbol of purity and beauty in Chinese culture. The artistry involved in crafting each tart reflects the passion and dedication of generations of Chinese pastry chefs.

Lotus flowers have been an integral part of Chinese cuisine and culture, often associated with elegance and tranquility. The tart pays homage to this cultural icon by using lotus root and lotus seed paste, carefully enveloped in a delicate pastry to resemble the petals of a lotus flower.

Ingredients

• Lotus root - 200g
• Lotus seeds - 150g
• Vegetable oil - 50ml
• All-purpose flour - 250g
• Baking powder - 1 tsp
• Sugar - 100g
• Water - 100ml
• Egg - 1
• Honey - 2 tbsp

Preparation

Preparing the Lotus Root and Seed Paste

1. Soak the lotus seeds in water for 2 hours or until soft. Drain and set aside.
2. Peel and slice the lotus root thinly. Steam slices for about 20 minutes until they become soft.
3. In a blender, combine steamed lotus root, soaked lotus seeds, and 50g of sugar. Blend until smooth to create a sweet paste.

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, sift all-purpose flour and baking powder together.
2. Form a well in the center of the flour mix, and add water, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Divide the rested dough into small balls, each weighing about 20g. Flatten each ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
3. Spoon a small amount of lotus paste onto the center of each circle. Fold the edges over the paste to create a petal shape.
4. Brush each tart lightly with vegetable oil to help them achieve a golden color while baking.
5. Place the tarts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time.

Serving and Enjoyment

Allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving. These delicate lotus petal tarts are best enjoyed with a cup of green tea, which complements the sweet and slightly earthy flavor of the tarts. The crispy pastry paired with the smooth lotus paste is sure to provide a memorable culinary experience that honors the beauty and purity of the lotus flower.

For an authentic Hangzhou experience, enjoy the Lotus Petal Tart while overlooking a tranquil water feature or garden, allowing the serenity of your surroundings to enhance the delicate flavors of this traditional dessert.