Best Taro Balls and Sweet Potato balls (芋圓/地瓜圓) • Cooking in Chinglish from cookinginchinglish.com
Introduction
Have you ever tried taro balls? They are a popular Taiwanese dessert that has gained popularity in recent years. These chewy and sweet balls are made from taro root, which is a starchy and nutritious root vegetable. Taro balls are often served in sweet soups or as a topping for shaved ice or milk tea. In this article, we will share a detailed recipe for making taro balls at home. You'll learn about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutrition information.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make taro balls: - 1 pound taro root - 1/4 cup tapioca starch - 1/4 cup glutinous rice flour - 1/4 cup sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Water - Food coloring (optional)
Taro Root
Taro root is the main ingredient in this recipe. You can find taro root at most Asian grocery stores. When selecting taro root, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. The skin should be brown and hairy, and the flesh should be white or light purple.
Tapioca Starch and Glutinous Rice Flour
Tapioca starch and glutinous rice flour are used to bind the taro mixture together. They are also what gives taro balls their chewy texture. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores or online.
Sugar and Salt
Sugar and salt are added to the taro mixture to give it sweetness and flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
Water
Water is used to mix the ingredients together and form the taro dough.
Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want to add some color to your taro balls, you can use food coloring. This is optional but can make your dessert more visually appealing.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let's get started on making taro balls. Here are the step-by-step instructions: 1. Peel and dice the taro root into small pieces. 2. Steam the taro for 20-25 minutes until it is soft and can be easily mashed. 3. Mash the taro using a potato masher or fork until there are no lumps. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the tapioca starch, glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. 5. Add the taro to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water until it comes together. 6. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and pliable. 7. If you want to add food coloring, divide the dough into small portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each portion. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. 8. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a marble. 9. Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop the taro balls into the water. 10. Cook the taro balls for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. 11. Use a slotted spoon to remove the taro balls from the water and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. 12. Drain the taro balls and set them aside. 13. If you are using the taro balls as a topping for shaved ice or milk tea, you can serve them as is. If you are using them in a sweet soup, you can add them to the soup before serving.
Nutrition
Taro balls are a sweet treat, so they are not the healthiest dessert option. However, taro root does offer some nutritional benefits. Taro root is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Here is the approximate nutrition information for a serving of taro balls (10 balls): - Calories: 150 - Fat: 1g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fiber: 2g - Sugar: 10g - Protein: 1g Keep in mind that this is an estimate and may vary depending on the size of your taro balls and the amount of sugar you use in the recipe.
Conclusion
Making taro balls at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and unique dessert. Whether you serve them in a sweet soup or as a topping for shaved ice, taro balls are sure to impress your friends and family.