Tangyuan: New Year Rice Dumplings

Tangyuan are small Chinese glutinous rice flour dumplings, traditionally served in a sweet broth at Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival because their round shape symbolises family unity and togetherness. Cara filled hers with black sesame paste in chrysanthemum tea. At home, make a simple dough by mixing glutinous rice flour with hot water until it forms a smooth, pliable ball — the dough should feel like soft Play-Doh. Roll into small balls, flatten each, spoon in a small amount of sweet filling (black sesame paste, peanut, or red bean), and pinch closed. Boil until they float, about three to four minutes.