Mooncake Recipe with Red Bean Paste: A Traditional Treat

The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner, and it's time to indulge in the traditional Cantonese mooncakes. These sweet pastries are a staple during this festive season, and making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we'll share a simple recipe for mooncakes with red bean paste filling.

The Importance of Lye Water

One of the most crucial ingredients in making mooncake skin is lye water, also known as alkaline water. This ingredient contributes to the color of the skin and helps balance the acidity in the golden syrup. Lye water can be bought online or at Asian grocers, but it's essential to note that homemade soda ash can be used as a substitute.

Mooncake Biscuits: A Variations

For those who prefer less filling, mooncake biscuits are an excellent option. These baked treats have a thin layer of sweet paste and can be made using the dough meant for the skin. There are many variations of mooncakes available in the market, including fruit flavors and trendy fillings like custard lava.

Traditional Flavors

Mooncakes are typically sweet with plain fillings like lotus paste and red bean paste. However, there's also a traditional baked flavor that combines five types of kernel (walnut, peanuts, sesame seeds, almonds, and watermelon seeds) with roast pork. Another variation adds a salted egg yolk to the lotus paste to balance the sweetness.

Tips for Making Mooncakes

To make mooncakes at home, it's essential to have the right ingredients and techniques. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Make sure to use room temperature lye water.

2. Spread baking soda on a parchment paper and bake at 95°C for 30 minutes.

3. Mix lye water with golden syrup, oil, and salt to create the perfect skin.

4. Use cake flour or all-purpose flour to achieve an even shade of color.

Making mooncakes at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With these simple tips and ingredients, you can create delicious red bean paste-filled mooncakes that are sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try this Mid-Autumn Festival season?

Mooncake recipe red bean paste