Delicious Mooncake Lotus Paste Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfectly Flavored Treats

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry that symbolizes reunion and harmony, often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Among the various fillings, th……

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry that symbolizes reunion and harmony, often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Among the various fillings, the lotus paste is a favorite due to its smooth texture and subtle sweetness. In this detailed guide, we will explore a delectable mooncake lotus paste recipe that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress your family and friends.

### Understanding Lotus Paste

Lotus paste, made from the seeds of the lotus flower, is a classic filling in mooncakes. The seeds are first soaked, boiled, and then ground into a fine paste, often sweetened with sugar. The result is a rich, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky, golden crust of the mooncake. The preparation of lotus paste can be time-consuming, but the end result is well worth the effort.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To create the perfect mooncake lotus paste, gather the following ingredients:

- **For the Lotus Paste:**

- 200g dried lotus seeds

- 150g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

- 50g vegetable oil (for a smoother texture)

- A pinch of salt

- Water (for soaking and boiling)

- **For the Mooncake Dough:**

- 250g all-purpose flour

- 50g golden syrup (or light corn syrup)

- 50g vegetable oil

- 1/2 tsp alkaline water (optional, for color and texture)

- **For Egg Wash:**

- 1 egg yolk

- 1 tbsp milk

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Preparing the Lotus Paste

1. **Soak the Lotus Seeds:** Start by soaking the dried lotus seeds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to cook.

2. **Boil the Seeds:** Drain the soaked seeds and place them in a pot with fresh water. Boil the seeds until they are tender, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cooked, drain and let them cool.

3. **Make the Paste:** In a food processor, blend the cooked lotus seeds until smooth. You may need to add a little water to achieve a creamy consistency.

4. **Sweeten the Paste:** Transfer the lotus seed paste to a non-stick pan. Add sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool and set aside.

#### Preparing the Mooncake Dough

1. **Mix the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the flour, golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.

2. **Rest the Dough:** Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for achieving the right texture.

#### Assembling the Mooncakes

1. **Divide the Dough and Filling:** After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about 30g each) and the lotus paste into slightly smaller balls (about 20g each).

2. **Shape the Mooncakes:** Flatten the dough ball in your palm and place the lotus paste ball in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Roll it into a smooth ball.

3. **Mold the Mooncakes:** Dust a mooncake mold with flour to prevent sticking. Place the filled dough ball into the mold and press down firmly to shape it. Gently remove the mooncake from the mold.

#### Baking the Mooncakes

1. **Prepare for Baking:** Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the shaped mooncakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. **Apply Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the egg wash over each mooncake to give it a beautiful golden color.

3. **Bake:** Bake the mooncakes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

4. **Cool and Store:** Allow the mooncakes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed after resting for a day or two, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

### Conclusion

Making mooncakes with lotus paste is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival to life. With this mooncake lotus paste recipe, you can create scrumptious treats that will delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you are celebrating the festival or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these mooncakes are sure to impress. Happy baking!