Monday, March 29, 2010

Nian Gao (年糕) Puffs


What do you do with your leftover 年糕 (pronounced as nian gao which literally means Year Cake)?  I believe the norm is to sandwich with sliced yam and sweet potato, coated in a thin layer of flour and egg batter and fry them.

During the Chinese New Year period, I saw this Taiwanese program (女人我最大) on cable and they prepared this with puff pastry.  Sonia made them too and I thought they looked yummy.  I made mine with instant roti prata instead and they turned out well too.

Nian Gao Puffs
Ingredients
Nian Gao, cut lengthwise
Instant Roti Prata, slightly thawed
Black and White sesame seeds

Method
  1. Remove instant roti prata from freezer, thaw for 2 - 3 mins and cut into half.
  2. Place 年糕 on roti prata and roll it up, seal the edges.
  3. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top and bake at preheated oven of 200C for 25 - 30 mins or till golden brown.

15 comments:

  1. Urmm.. quite special. Nian Gao baked in puffs pastry. I think it's quite nice!

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  2. Wow...that looks easy and really delicious. I have to try that. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Wow - i am amazed at how much you can cook, as well as having 3 children. I have 2 children & I am proud of getting 3 meals on the table - forget the cakes & desserts! I agree with you though on the being better at cooking after having children. I have really started doing more things in the kitchen since my first son started solids. If it weren't for children I'd be eating takeaway. Carolina

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  4. Yaya, frozen pratha is just like puff pastry.

    I've seen somewhere online frozen pratha was used to make the puff ontop of mushroom soup.

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  5. This is a clever idea using roti prata and I have nian gao and roti prata at home. Will try this during the weekend.

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  6. Wow, using nian gao as the filling was creative, but using instant roti prata, that's even more so! Excellent idea!! ^^

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  7. This is surely unusual! Looks delicious.

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  8. Never tried Nian Gao Puffs before :O
    That's new.

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  9. Kitchen Corner & MaryMoh, my kids love it. Do give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you.

    Carolina, thanks for leaving me a comment here :) Being a sahm, I cook all meals except for weekends since we spend our family time outdoors. We just improve as we grow up together with the kids, don't we? :)

    Sonia, thanks!

    Wendy, I've tried using instant prata as pastry top for soup but it didn't turn out well. When thawed, the prata turned soft and sank into the soup base.

    Anncoo, can't wait to see your blog update.

    MsMoon, DG & Tigerfish, thanks!

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  10. really original. and wow, instant prata can transform to something resembling puff pastry!

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  11. Wow, good idea by using the prata pastry instead puff pastry! But not all roti prata pastry looks as good as the one you're using. I have to say you did a great job! Bravo!

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  12. noobcook, I find instant pratas very versatile, can do lots with them.

    My Little Space, thanks!

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  13. You are very innovative =) And I love how do-able all your recipes are!

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  14. thanks for sharing your recipe! This is really tasty. My nian gao puffs at:

    http://fong-kitchen-journal.blogspot.com/2011/01/sticky-rice-cake-puff.html

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