Xiangyuan Starch Pudding

Xiangyuan Starch Pudding

　　Xiangyuan Starch Pudding

　　　　Starch pudding is a popular summer snack in the Xiangyuan, Wuxiang, and Qin counties area. It is made from buckwheat flour and, due to its dark brown color, is commonly referred to by locals as "black-skinned wheat dough ball." It is highly nutritious, with a sweet and mild taste, and has the health benefits of clearing heat and detoxifying. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, it “regulates qi and relaxes the intestines, grinds down food stagnation, clears heat swellings and wind pain, and removes turbid leukorrhea, white vaginal discharge, spleen stagnation, and diarrhea.” Why is it also called “Guanchang” (official’s taste)? Legend has it that during the Yuan Dynasty, there was a man named Li Zhizhong from Xiangyuan County who served as the Minister of Rites in the imperial court. One year, when he was ordered to return to his hometown to select talented individuals, he passed through Xiyin Town in Xiangyuan County and tried a “black-skinned wheat dough ball” sold by a street vendor. He praised it highly and gave the vendor a few extra copper coins. After Li left, his entourage told the vendor, “That was the current Minister of Rites. He gave you extra money because he was very pleased. Your business will surely prosper.” Overjoyed, the vendor, eager to show off the high quality and great taste of his snack, put up a large sign in front of his stall that read, “My starch pudding – Guanchang!” Since “starch pudding” (灌肠, guàn cháng) and “Guanchang” (官尝, official's taste) are homophones, people gradually began calling the snack “Guanchang,” and the name has been passed down to this day.

　　　　Making Method:

　　　　1. Place the buckwheat flour in a basin. Dissolve salt in water, mix it into the flour, and stir until it forms a thick paste. Divide it into several bowls, steam them in a steamer basket for 30 minutes, then remove and let cool before turning out and setting aside.

　　　　2. When serving, cut the pudding into wide slices with a small knife, place them on a plate, and pour over aged vinegar, mashed garlic, leek flower, sesame oil, and shredded garlic sprouts, adjusting the flavor to taste.

　　　　3. Characteristics: Bright brown color, refreshing and not greasy, cools the body and quenches thirst, clears internal heat, and relieves hunger.