Liu'an Paste

Liu'an Paste, a traditional Chinese dish, hails from the Anhui province. This delightful confection is derived from white kidney beans and is cherished for its sweet and nutty flavor. Over the centuries, this dish has been adapted and refined in diverse ways, emblematic of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients

• White kidney beans - 200g
• Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
• Brown sugar - 100g
• Honey - 50g
• Glutinous rice flour - 50g
• Walnuts - 50g, chopped
• Lotus seeds - 20g, pre-soaked
• Dried jujubes - 20g, chopped
• Osmanthus syrup - 1 tablespoon
• Water - as required

Preparation Instructions

The preparation of Liu'an Paste begins with the meticulous soaking of white kidney beans. This step ensures the beans soften adequately for a smooth paste texture. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water.

Preparing the White Kidney Bean Paste

1. Drain the soaked white kidney beans and place them in a pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the beans completely.
3. Simmer the beans over medium heat until they become soft, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Check the texture regularly.
4. After cooking, drain the water and mash the beans to form a smooth paste using a food processor or a masher.

Preparing the Flavor Base

1. In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil gently.
2. Add the brown sugar and honey, stirring until fully dissolved and well combined.
3. Incorporate the prepared bean paste slowly, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.

Final Paste Preparation

1. Add glutinous rice flour to the mixture and continue stirring until it achieves a thick consistency.
2. Integrate the walnuts, lotus seeds, and dried jujubes.
3. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the paste into a serving bowl. Let it cool before drizzling with osmanthus syrup for added fragrance and flavor.

Cooking Process

The heart of making Liu'an Paste is maintaining the right cooking time needed for each ingredient to infuse its unique taste into the paste. This balance provides the dish its signature blend of flavors and textures.

Enjoying Liu'an Paste

Liu'an Paste is best enjoyed as a delightful snack or a dessert. Whether warm or at room temperature, it pairs beautifully with green or jasmine tea, offering a soothing finish to a lavish Chinese meal or providing comfort on a quiet afternoon.

This dish is a testament to the elegance of Chinese culinary techniques, transforming simple beans into a gourmet delight that speaks to a profound historical tradition.