Learn how to make nian gao, a Chinese New Year sweet rice cake that symbolizes progress and growth. This recipe adds ginger, orange zest, and molasses for extra flavor and texture. The Foundation Bricks Legend. Nian Gao has another legend about its origin, dating back to around 2,500 years ago:. Legend has it that, after the death of Wu Zixu (伍子胥, 559–484 BC), a general and politician of the Wu kingdom in the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BC), the king of Yue, Goujian, attacked the capital of Wu, and the Wu army and citizens were trapped in the city and Pan Frying Nian Gao: The best way to enjoy the nian gao is to pan fry it. Once the nian gao hardens overnight, it is easier to slice. Cut the cake into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices. Pan fry the nian gao in a nonstick pan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway. The sides of the cake should brown and blister. When preparing for Chinese New Year, I always make Nian Gao ahead of time. You can leave it on the counter for 1 day, or keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Remember to put it in an air-tight bag/container to avoid drying out. Nian Gao freezes very well too. Cut it into pieces before freezing. Nian Gao or Nin Gou in Cantonese (“higher year”), is a sweet glutinous sticky rice cake that is enjoyed year round, but often a must-have during Chinese New Year, as the name sheds light to give progress, advancement, higher or taller, promising a better year ahead. Chinese New Year Cake “Nian Gao” is a very traditional steamed rice cake dessert with special meaning in the Chinese culture. This dessert also happens to be free of the top 9 food allergens and very allergy friendly. Steamer VS instant pot method: As I remembered, my uncles and aunts made sweet nian gao for Chinese New Year. They used their hands to mix the glutinous rice flour and sugar into a paste-like texture and pour them into a container with banana leaves, then steaming them over the stove for 1-1.5 hours depending on how deep the pan you use. This Chinese new year cake is a sweet rice cake that is traditionally eaten during the lunar new year celebrations. Nian gao is directly translated to sticky cake, "nian" meaning sticky and "gao" meaning cake. Every family will buy this treat to celebrate the lunar new year, and it's also a very popular gift when visiting friends and family What Is Chinese New Year Rice Cake? Chinese New Year rice cake is popularly known as Nian Gao (年糕), which directly translates to “year cake” and is a homonym for “higher year”. It has been a long tradition to eat Nian Gao to have a prosperous year ahead. Thus, it is also common to give Nian Gao as a gift for Chinese New Year to wish Why Do Chinese People Eat Nian Gao? The tradition of eating Nian Gao to celebrate the Chinese new year dates back centuries in China. According to folklore, eating Nian Gao was believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year—hence why it’s become so popular during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Nian Gao is a traditional and delicious way to welcome the Lunar New Year! This is Aunty's easy recipe that can also be made in larger batches to be given as an edible gift. Enjoy the soft chewy rice cake fresh from the steamer or pan fry them for a smoky caramelized coating! 11 Sweet Chinese Treats for a Lucky Lunar New Year. Celebrate the Spring Festival with Chinese sweets and treats. Nian Gao (年糕) or Chinese New Year Cake is often eaten during Lunar New Year for its auspicious name. "Nian" means year and "Gao" means cake. However, the same word in a different character means high or tall. This special treat is often gifted to family and friends to bring wishes for a better year. This Chinese new year cake is a sweet rice cake that is traditionally eaten during the lunar new year celebrations. Nian gao is directly translated to sticky cake, "nian" meaning sticky and "gao" meaning cake. Every family will buy this treat to celebrate the lunar new year, and it's also a very popular gift when visiting friends and family This quick and easy recipe will take your classic Nian Gao (Chinese New Year rice cake) to another level by adding additional ingredients for extra flavour. It tastes great either as it is or pan-fried. Nian Gao Recipe: A Traditional Chinese New Year Dessert. Introduction. Nian gao, a traditional Chinese dessert, is a sweet and sticky rice cake that is often served during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe is a classic version of nian gao, with a rich history and cultural significance. What Is Chinese New Year Rice Cake? Chinese New Year rice cake is popularly known as Nian Gao (年糕), which directly translates to “year cake” and is a homonym for “higher year”. It has been a long tradition to eat Nian Gao to have a prosperous year ahead. Thus, it is also common to give Nian Gao as a gift for Chinese New Year to wish Coconut Palm Sugar. You basically only need 3 ingredients to make Nian Gao – glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar if you count water as an ingredient. In Southeast Asia, many prefer to use brown sugar or palm sugar infused with pandan leaves for better flavor. Family's traditional Pan Fried Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Cake) made with secret ingredient: sweet gooey rice cake with crisp fragrant egg. Eating nian gao during the Chinese New Year is a customary tradition, and nian gao is an essential festive food. It is said that the origin of nian gao has a legend that originated from Suzhou. During the ancient Spring and Autumn period, Suzhou was the capital of the Wu state.
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