Beijing Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding

Beijing Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding

　　      A specialty of Beijing—Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding, known for its sweet flavor, is a festive and hospitable treat. Glutinous rice is steamed and then mixed with white sugar, lard, and hot water. Ingredients such as candied dates are arranged in patterns inside a bowl, with red bean paste and osmanthus in the center, topped with glutinous rice, leveled, and then steamed in a basket for an hour. It's ready to serve after being scooped out. Recipes vary slightly, but typically include glutinous rice, sugar, oil, osmanthus, red dates, Job’s tears, lotus seeds, longan, and more.

　　       Specialty Culture: Legend has it that Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding originated from the celebratory banquet held after King Wu of Zhou overthrew King Zhou of Shang. King Zhou, the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, was known for his extraordinary strength, eloquence, love of wine and women, and tyrannical rule. In 1123 BC, King Wu of Zhou led a coalition of feudal lords in an eastern campaign, defeating King Zhou at Muye, south of today’s Hong County in Henan Province. After King Zhou’s death, King Wu unified the realm, establishing his capital at Hao, located to the west of present-day Chang’an in the Shanglin Park. During the celebrations of King Wu’s victory and the founding of his dynasty, the people rejoiced and the soldiers celebrated exuberantly. The chef created Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding in response to the joyous occasion. The eight treasures symbolize the eight meritorious lords, while the use of hawthorn implies the cremation of King Zhou.

　　       Specialty Benefits: Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding strengthens the spleen and benefits the stomach, nourishes the kidneys and removes dampness. With its bright colors, sweet texture, rich oiliness, and not overly sweet taste, it offers a unique and delightful flavor.

　　       Glutinous Rice: Glutinous rice contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and starch. It is highly nutritious and serves as a warming and strengthening food. It helps supplement qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and alleviate spontaneous sweating. It also provides some relief for those with cold-deficiency in the spleen and stomach, poor appetite, bloating, or diarrhea. Glutinous rice has an astringent effect, making it beneficial for urinary frequency and night sweats.

　　       Lard (Leaf Lard): Lard contains a variety of fatty acids, with a fairly balanced proportion of saturated and unsaturated fats. It provides high calories and is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. However, due to its high animal fat content and cholesterol levels, it is not suitable for the elderly, diabetics, those who are overweight, or individuals with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.