Crystal Lotus Root Cake

Crystal Lotus Root Cake

　　Lotus root is called “Lianlai” in Shaanxi. Crystal Lotus Root Cake is a traditional Shaanxi sweet dish made primarily from lotus root and prepared through multiple steps.

　　Main ingredient: Lotus root;

　　Side ingredients: Walnuts, green-red-green shredded vegetables, lard (leaf lard), cherries, starch (broad bean);

　　Seasonings: White sugar, refined lard, as appropriate

　　Preparation: 1. Peel the lotus root, rinse and drain, then grate it into fine threads; 2. Add a little white vinegar to prevent discoloration, along with 10g of wet starch; 3. Remove skin and connective tissues from fresh leaf lard, then dice; 4. Finely chop the green-red-green shredded vegetables; 5. Shell and dice the walnuts; 6. Mix the chopped green-red-green vegetables, walnut dices, white sugar, and 5g of rose sugar to make the crystal filling; 7. Shape the mixed crystal filling into 20 balls; 8. Divide the lotus root threads into 20 portions, wrap each with a crystal filling ball, and form small round cakes; 9. Place a medium heat pan on the stove, add refined lard, and heat until 60% hot. Remove from direct flame, slowly slide the lotus root cakes into the pan, fry until golden on one side, flip and fry the other side. Once both sides are golden, remove and arrange neatly on a plate, topping with red cherries; 10. In the pan, add water and white sugar, bring to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves, add wet starch to thicken into a flowing sauce, then pour over the lotus root cakes.

　　Features: The dish features a crystal-clear golden color, with a crispy crust and soft filling. The syrup is transparent and the taste is sweet and smooth. It is a premium dessert dish for formal banquets.