Mini Glutinous Rice Balls in Sweet Fermented Rice Soup

Mini Glutinous Rice Balls in Sweet Fermented Rice Soup

Difficulty:★★☆☆☆ 957 kcal

Mini glutinous rice balls in sweet fermented rice soup is a sweet, soft and chewy traditional Chinese dessert: the gentle tang of the fermented rice blends with the smooth glutinous rice, warming and comforting. It is rich in carbohydrates with some B vitamins, gives a quick energy boost and may help circulation. There's no skill barrier at all, so it's very beginner-friendly; from boiling the water to serving takes only about 15 minutes.

Shaanxi Hot Chili Oil (You Po La Zi)

Shaanxi Hot Chili Oil (You Po La Zi)

Difficulty:★★★☆☆ 1854 kcal

A fragrant, fiery Shaanxi-style condiment: glossy red oil with sesame and garlic aromas, spicy but not harsh, with a long finish. Chilies are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which whet the appetite and warm the body. Controlling the oil temperature is a bit of a challenge for beginners, but follow the steps and you'll succeed. It takes about 10 minutes and is the finishing touch for home-style dressed dishes and noodles.