A few days ago, I took my kids to a restaurant called Dongyang Xiaoguan. One of the dishes there was absolutely worth sharing. It's a unique and comforting soup made with sweet fermented rice (甜酒酿), walnut kernels (核桃仁), and dried osmanthus fragrans (桂花干).
The dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. At the bottom, you have the sweet fermented rice and small glutinous rice balls, which provide a smooth and slightly chewy texture. On top, there are finely chopped walnut kernels and dried osmanthus flowers, adding a nutty and floral aroma that complements the sweetness perfectly.
When served warm, the soup is incredibly soothing and satisfying. The sweet fermented rice has a subtle, yeasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy taste of the walnuts. The dried osmanthus flowers add a delicate floral note that lifts the entire dish, making it a perfect dessert or light meal.
This dish is not only delicious but also has a cultural significance. Sweet fermented rice, or nian gao, is a traditional Chinese ingredient often used in desserts and festive dishes. Walnuts are known for their health benefits, including being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Dried osmanthus flowers, on the other hand, are prized for their aromatic properties and are commonly used in Chinese tea and confections.
To make this dish at home, you can start by preparing the sweet fermented rice. You can either buy pre-made sweet fermented rice from an Asian grocery store or make it yourself using glutinous rice and yeast. Once the rice is ready, cook the small glutinous rice balls in water until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
In a separate bowl, chop the walnut kernels into small pieces. You can lightly toast them in a dry pan to enhance their flavor. For the dried osmanthus flowers, simply rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities.
To assemble the dish, place the sweet fermented rice and cooked glutinous rice balls in a bowl. Sprinkle the chopped walnut kernels and dried osmanthus flowers on top. Serve the soup warm for the best experience.
At Dongyang Xiaoguan, the presentation of this dish was impeccable. The combination of colors and textures made it visually appealing, and the flavors were well-balanced. It was a perfect treat on a chilly afternoon, and my kids loved it too. If you ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend trying this dish at Dongyang Xiaoguan. It’s a unique and memorable culinary experience that you won’t forget.