Method

For Basic Tang Yuan

1. Add water a little at a time to the flour to make a pliable dough that is not too wet. The tension should feel like the bottom of your ear lobe. Roll into balls of about 1″ in diameter. (Optional: Separate a portion of the dough, add the food colouring, knead and roll into balls.) Cover with a wet towel while not being used to prevent it from drying out.
2. Prepare a large, preferably wide bowl or pot and fill with iced water or water at room temperature. Boil at least 3″ of water in a pot. Add each ball into the boiling water. Once a ball floats, scoop it out and transfer to the iced water to stop it from cooking and prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the ginger syrup: Boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Add ginger, pandan leaves and rock sugar (adjust according to taste). Boil for about 5 minutes. Remove the ginger and pandan leaves.
4. Serve ‘tang yuan’ balls in a bowl of ginger syrup.

For Black Sesame Tang Yuan

1. Mix black sesame powder with clarified butter and gula melaka. Microwave for 30 seconds if the butter is not soft enough.
2. Make the tang yuan dough in Step 1 of the Basic Tang Yuan recipe (above).
3. Flatten a ball of dough into a circular shape. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of stuffing and carefully wrap the dough around it.
4. Continue with step 2 of the Basic Tang Yuan recipe.