Mediterranean Diet Glutinous Rice Balls (Tangyuan)

Elevate a classic Asian dessert with Mediterranean-inspired flavors in this delightful recipe for Mediterranean Diet Glutinous Rice Balls (Tangyuan). These soft, chewy rice balls are filled with a naturally sweet and nutty blend of Medjool dates, toasted walnuts, almonds, honey, and cinnamon, offering a wholesome twist on traditional tangyuan fillings. Each delicately crafted rice ball is cooked to perfection, floating in boiling water until tender. A sprinkle of fragrant orange zest adds a bright, zesty finish that beautifully complements the warm, hearty filling. Ready in just 35 minutes, these unique and healthy sweet treats are perfect for special occasions or as a comforting dessert. Packed with keywords like "Mediterranean-inspired desserts," "glutinous rice balls," and "healthy sweet treats," this recipe is a must-try fusion of East and West.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams glutinous rice flour
• 150 ml warm water
• 6 medjool dates, pitted
• 50 grams walnuts, toasted
• 50 grams almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with warm water gradually. Mix until a smooth and pliable dough forms. The dough should not be sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2

For the filling, place the pitted Medjool dates, toasted walnuts, toasted almonds, honey, sesame seeds, and ground cinnamon into a food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a sticky and coarse consistency.

Step 3

Divide the rice dough into approximately 20 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc with your palms.

Step 4

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of each disc. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll back into a ball. Ensure the filling is completely sealed within the dough.

Step 5

Bring a liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water.

Step 6

Once the rice balls float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 3 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through.

Step 7

Remove the cooked rice balls with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. For an extra hint of Mediterranean flavor, sprinkle each serving with orange zest before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1675.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2009.7

Total Fat 71.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 41.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 325.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 134.1g
Protein 36.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 368.0mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 1735.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 62.2%