Happy 端午节 (duān wǔ jié) Dragon Boat Festival! This year, I’d like to introduce you to a traditional Chinese dessert that deserves a spot at your table: 绿豆糕 (lǜ dòu gāo) mung bean cakes! Mung bean cakes are delicate, pretty pastries that started out as imperial desserts 贡品 (gòng pín) in the 清朝 Qīng dynasty. Back then, only emperors and nobles could have them. They are soft and creamy, lightly sweet and refreshing. And my version is so healthy that it’s ok to have several!
Everyone knows that the food identity of China and East Asia is closely linked to white rice. Besan, or chickpea flour, is an ideal healthy, gluten-free, low-GI pick in these savory pancakes 煎饼 (jiān bǐng). The recipe is endlessly adaptable to whatever vegetables and spices you have on hand.