GLUTINOUS RICE DUMPLINGS
Had to try these glutinous rice dumplings, sticky rice with spicy meat or vegetable fillings. Wrapped in Pandan leaves then steamed for a long time these are available all year round but particularly in demand at the time of the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival usually takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month and commemorates the popular Chinese patriot, Qu Yuan. (Chu Yuan). In the 3rd century in protest of a corrupt government, he threw himself into the Mi Lo River in despair. Upon hearing the news, local people frantically raced out in boats to try and save him, and to scare away any fish who might want to eat him they pounded drums and threw rice into the river - sadly they arrived too late. As legend has it, boat races and ceremonial sacrifices of rice were performed each year to symbolize the valiant attempts to rescue Qu Yuan. Today, the rice dumplings or "zongzi", are eaten as symbolic offerings on behalf of Qu Yuan.
Whilst out on a recent cutlural tour, I was fortunate to get some video of how to fold the Glutinous Rice Dumplings. He makes it look so easy.
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