Lotus Mooncake
A Journey Through the History of Mooncakes
The Lotus Mooncake is a traditional Chinese delicacy, often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Rich in symbolism, the mooncake represents unity and prosperity. Historically, mooncakes were used as a medium for secret messages during the Ming revolution, a testament to their cultural significance.
Ingredients
- Lotus Seed Paste - 500g
- Golden Syrup - 160g
- Lye Water - 1/2 tsp
- Vegetable Oil - 60g
- Cake Flour - 280g
- Salted Egg Yolk - 4 pcs
- Egg Wash (for glazing)
Preparation
Begin by preparing the Lotus Seed Paste. If you have purchased it, ensure it is at room temperature for easier handling. For homemade paste, soak lotus seeds overnight, boil until soft, and blend into a smooth paste. Sweeten to taste. Each mooncake will have a rich filling that echoes the heritage of Chinese cuisine.
Preparing the Salted Egg Yolks
The Salted Egg Yolks need to be baked at low heat for a short duration to solidify. Preheat your oven to 160°C and bake the yolks for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to maintain their perfect texture.
The Pastry Dough
For the dough, mix golden syrup, lye water, and vegetable oil in a bowl until well-combined. Slowly add the cake flour and knead into a smooth dough. Let it rest under a damp cloth for 45 minutes to 1 hour to absorb the moisture and ease of handling.
The Assembly of the Mooncake
Forming the Mooncake
- Divide the lotus paste into 100g balls and insert a salted egg yolk into each ball, wrapping it tightly.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions, approximately 40g each, and flatten them.
- Wrap each dough piece around the lotus paste and yolk filling, ensuring the filling is completely covered by the dough.
Using Mooncake Molds
Dust your mooncake mold lightly with flour, then press the filled dough inside to shape it. Gently tap to release the mooncake and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Bake the mooncakes for 5 minutes, remove, and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Brush them with an egg wash for a golden sheen, then bake again for an additional 15-20 minutes. Use a timer for precision to achieve a perfect bake.
Enjoying Lotus Mooncakes
Allow the mooncakes to cool before serving. They are best enjoyed after resting for a day or two to let the flavors meld. Pair these mooncakes with Chinese Tea to complement their sweetness with the tea's subtle bitterness.
The Lotus Mooncake is not just a treat but a cultural experience, bringing family and friends together in celebration. Each bite is a taste of tradition, echoing the stories of its past, meant to be savored slowly under the light of the full moon.