Authentic Sesame balls（Jian dui）

"Sesame balls," also known as "sesame seed balls," "sesame rounds," or "fried dough balls," are a traditional Chinese snack with a long history, classified under fried pastry. They are characterized by their golden color, round and plump appearance, and crispy texture. Taking a bite, you experience a delightful contrast between the crispy outer layer and the soft, sticky filling inside, blended with the fragrance of sesame, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Additionally, sesame balls are rich in nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients, making them a delicious and nutritious treat.

Sesame balls are not just a tantalizing snack; they also provide a delightful cooking experience. Throughout the process, we will delve into the details of each step, understand the roles of ingredients, and master the techniques involved. This ensures that you not only enjoy the delicious taste but also savor the joy of cooking.

1.What is a sesame ball?

Sesame Balls, also known as Ma Tuan, are a famous Chinese snack that belongs to the category of fried pastries. They have a slightly sweet taste and symbolize unity and togetherness. The saying "Jian Dui Lu Lu, Jin Yin Man Wu" suggests that these treats bring prosperity and abundance.

Sesame balls are primarily made from glutinous rice flour and sesame seeds. The outer shell, made from glutinous rice flour, is soft, elastic, and chewy, while sesame seeds provide rich aroma and nutritional value. During the preparation process, the glutinous rice flour is kneaded, divided, rolled into balls, and finally coated with white sesame seeds. They are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown.

2.Types of sesame balls?

Common varieties include hollow sesame balls and filled varieties such as pumpkin, purple sweet potato, and red bean paste. Red bean paste sesame balls are primarily made from glutinous rice flour and white sesame seeds, with red bean paste as the filling. They are characterized by their golden color, round shape, crispy texture, and sweet, sticky taste. Varieties like pumpkin sesame balls and purple sweet potato sesame balls showcase the diverse filling choices and preparation methods of sesame balls.

3.What tools can be used to fry sesame balls?

①Sesame balls can be fried using a regular frying pan. Controlling the oil temperature is crucial during frying. Start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it to ensure even frying.

②Sesame balls can be baked in an oven. Once arranged on a baking tray, gently press down on each sesame ball. Bake in an oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

③Sesame balls can be fried using an air fryer. Due to variations in air fryer performance, it's advisable to check periodically during frying to avoid overcooking the sesame balls. Additionally, some recipes recommend poking a small hole in the surface of each sesame ball to prevent them from bursting open during heating.

4.What ingredients are needed for sesame balls?

The main ingredients needed for sesame balls are glutinous rice flour and sesame seeds.

Glutinous rice flour: When mixing glutinous rice flour, handle it gently by lightly kneading it with your fingers. This helps to fully activate the sticky nature of the flour, resulting in a smoother dough. The amount of warm water added should be just right—enough to maintain moisture without becoming too thick or sticky.

Sesame: When coating sesame balls with sesame seeds, it's important to ensure each ball is evenly sized and has a uniform distribution of filling. This ensures consistent texture and taste when frying.

5.How to store sesame balls?

The best way to store sesame balls is by freezing them. Place sesame balls in a freezer at temperatures below -18°C (-0.4°F). This low-temperature environment effectively extends the shelf life of sesame balls while preserving their texture and flavor.

6.Where can you buy the ingredients?

The ingredients needed to make sesame balls, such as glutinous rice flour and sesame seeds, are typically available at Asian supermarkets or Chinatown stores. You can also find them online at grocery stores like Amazon.

I hope everyone can experience the joy of making and tasting delicious food through this sesame ball recipe. Let this healthy and tasty snack add warmth and sweetness to your dining table.