Eight Treasure Rice Pudding

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Place the glutinous rice in a non-reactive bowl and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for at least 1 hour.

3. Step 3

   Drain the soaking water and place the rice in a steamer basket set over simmering water. Cover and steam for 30 to 45 minutes. While still hot, gently combine it with the sunflower oil and salt.

4. Step 4

   Coat the inside of a heat-proof medium-sized bowl with oil. (Make sure this bowl will fit in the steamer basket.) Cut the sugar-glazed cherries in half and put some aside for later. Place the remaining sugar-glazed cherries along with the dried fruits in a decorative pattern in the bowl.

5. Step 5

   Once the fruit is arranged, place half of the cooked rice in the bowl and press down gently.

6. Step 6

   Spoon the red bean paste into the middle and smooth out the top.

7. Step 7

   Use a little bit of glutinous rice to cover the red bean paste and place the sugar lotus seeds and remaining sugar-glazed cherries around the edge of the bowl.

8. Step 8

   Evenly place the rest of the glutinous rice on top and press down.

9. Step 9

   Place the bowl with the fruit and rice in the steamer basket set over simmering water and steam for 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the amount of water underneath the basket.

10. Step 10

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the starch water ingredients, whisking vigorously until well combined.

11. Step 11

    Place all the syrup ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil, and then add the starch water. Stir until thick.

12. Step 12

    Remove the bowl from the steamer basket and let it rest for 10 minutes. Invert the bowl onto a plate and release the rice pudding. Brush the sugar syrup over the surface.