Chinese desserts: Eight Delights

Directions

1. Soak the dates in 0.5 litre of warm water for 1 hour. ⏱ 1 hr
2. Cook for 10 minutes with 20g of caramel. ⏱ 10 min
3. Let the melon rest for a few minutes, then cut it in half and remove the seeds. ⏱ ≈ 20 min
4. Meanwhile, cook the rice in 1.5 liters of water, covered, over low heat, for 15 to 20 minutes. ⏱ 20 min
5. Pour this into a dish (approximately 1 litre) with oil paint and fill it up. ≈ 3 min
6. To do this, line the bottom of the dish with a pattern made of coconut and Montagne cherries. ≈ 3 min
7. Place a ring of dates around the base. ≈ 3 min
8. About 3 tablespoons of rice on the work surface, using a spatula to flatten and form a circle, then arranging them on the fruit. ≈ 3 min
9. However, it is important to ensure that the rice does not come into contact with the sides of the pot. ≈ 3 min
10. Gently press the rice down several times to prevent it from sticking together. ≈ 3 min
11. Next, alternate the plum and walnut seeds along the edge. ≈ 3 min
12. Reheat the mashed potatoes and press them firmly. ≈ 3 min
13. Arrange the grapes along the edge of the cake, fill the spaces with cooked rice, and create a small well in the center. ≈ 10 min
14. Fill with mashed beans, and smooth the surface. ≈ 10 min
15. Then, spread the remaining rice mixture evenly over the beans and press down firmly. ≈ 3 min
16. Place the pot in a large container, on a steamer insert (or on a trivet), and pour in about 4 cm of water. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
17. Seal the pot tightly. ≈ 3 min
18. Bake the semolina pudding in a water bath at 180 °C (350 °F) for 45 minutes. ⏱ 45 min
19. Remove the pot from the pot. ≈ 3 min
20. Let the pudding rest for another 5 minutes, then pour it into a serving dish and serve warm. ⏱ 5 min