Crystal Tang Yuan with Lava Filling

Step 1

Sift jasmine green tea powder into a small bowl. Add lukewarm milk. Whisk until combined. Set aside.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, add milk (28g), whipping cream, osmanthus honey, corn starch, and jasmine tea mixture. Mix until combined with no lumps.

Step 3

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, until bubbles start showing on the edge. This should take less than 30 seconds, so do not leave it unattended.

Step 4

Turn down to medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture is thickened. Remove from heat immediately. Set aside to cook down.

Step 5

Transfer them into a piping bag.

Step 6

Option 1: line the empty min ice cube tray with plastic wrap. Pipe the mixture into the ice tray. Freeze for at least 2 hours or best overnight. Option 2: pipe the mixture in a round ball silicone mould. They are specifically for making perfectly round fillings, each weighing 5g. Freeze for at least 2 hours or best overnight. Option 3: leave them in a piping bag. Put in the fridge overnight. However, this is only recommended if you are an expert in wrapping tang yuan.

Step 7

Boil water in a small saucepan. Prepare the tapioca starch in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 8

Once the water starts boiling, pour them directly into the tapioca starch. Use a silicone spatula to mix until it fully absorbs the water. At this point, the mixture should instantly become slightly translucent and doughy.* It is important to use boiling water. If the water is prepared in a hot water dispenser, it is still not hot enough to cook the tapioca flour.

Step 9

Use your hand to knead and form it into a dough. The dough should not be too wet or sticky. Continue to knead until it looks smooth.

Step 10

Wrap the dough with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 11

Once removed from the fridge, dust with a little bit of tapioca starch. Knead again until the dough turns softer.

Step 12

Separate the dough into 5g each. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.

Step 13

Take the lava filling out from the freezer. It should now be solid and ready to use.

Step 14

Take one dough out and flatten it into a circle about 2 inches in diameter. Add the filling to the center, and close the dough over the filling.

Step 15

Roll the ball around in your hands until it’s smooth and round. Dust it with tapioca starch. Put it on a tray and cover it with a damp cloth (to prevent dry out). Repeat until all the fillings are gone.

Step 16

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the tang yuan and stir immediately to prevent them from sticking. When all the balls start to float on the surface, remove the pot from heat. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

Step 17

While waiting for the balls to cook, prepare an osmanthus soup base. In a bowl, add osmanthus honey, ginger, and hot water. Mix until combined.

Step 18

Add the tang yuan into the sweet soup. Ready to serve.