Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese dessert made of candied fruit. It is usually served during festivals and celebrations. The name “Tanghulu” literally means “candied chestnut” in Chinese, although the sweet snack is usually made of hawthorn fruits. The snack is so popular that it has become a traditional food for many Chinese families during the winter season.
Making Tanghulu is not a complicated process. All you need is a few ingredients and some patience. The ingredients for this tasty treat include sugar, hawthorn fruits, and a few other items. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Tanghulu:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
The first step is to prepare the fruits. Wash the hawthorn fruits and make sure they are clean. Cut off any brown spots or bruised areas. Dry the fruits with a clean towel. Cut the hawthorn fruits into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a medium-sized pot, add 500ml of water and 500g of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the syrup is ready, add the cut hawthorn fruits. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
Step 3: Coat the Fruits
Once the syrup is cool, remove the hawthorn fruits from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack. Dip each piece into the syrup and turn them around to coat them with the syrup. Place the coated fruits back on the cooling rack and let them dry. This process should take about 1-2 hours.
Step 4: Thread the Fruits
Once the fruits are dry, thread the fruits onto a skewer. Make sure to thread them tightly so that the fruits don’t slip off. Place the skewer onto a plate and leave it aside.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, add 150ml of water, 150g of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved. Once the glaze is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool down.
Step 6: Glaze the Fruits
Once the glaze is cool, dip the skewer into the glaze and turn it around to coat the fruits. Place the skewer back on the plate and let it cool down. The glaze should form a hard shell around each piece of fruit. This process should take about 1-2 hours.
Step 7: Serve the Tanghulu
Once the Tanghulu is ready, it’s time to serve it. You can serve it as is or add a few extra ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips, for a unique flavor. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Making Tanghulu is a fun and easy process that can be enjoyed by all. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious Chinese dessert in no time. Give it a try and enjoy this traditional treat with your friends and family!