I. Introduction.
The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, and making rice dumplings is an important Xi of this traditional festival. However, for beginners, how to cook zongzi correctly is a skill that needs to be Xi and mastered. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the cooking method of packaging zongzi, as well as the tips and precautions in it.
2. Prepare materials.
Before you start cooking zongzi, you need to prepare the following ingredients::
Packed rice dumplings (choose different fillings according to personal taste), large pot or pressure cooker, plenty of water, timer, chopsticks or fork.
3. Cooking steps.
Soak the rice dumplings: Put the rice dumplings in a pot, add enough water, and soak for about 20 minutes. This can make the zongzi softer and taste better.
Bring to a boil: Place the pot on top of the high heat, and after the water is boiling, continue to keep the heat high and let the water keep boiling.
Turn to low heat and simmer: When the height of the water drops to half of the rice dumplings, reduce the heat to low heat and continue to simmer for about 2-3 hours.
Add pressure: If using a pressure cooker, you can add the zongzi after boiling, cover with a lid, and cook for about 30 minutes after steaming. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the rice dumplings so as not to burst.
Chopsticks test: During the cooking process, chopsticks or forks can be used to insert into the zongzi, if it can be easily inserted without resistance, it means that the zongzi has been cooked.
Remove and cool: Remove the cooked rice dumplings from the pot and place them in a bowl or plate to cool.
4. Tips and precautions.
Water quantity control: When cooking zongzi, make sure that there is enough water in the pot to avoid drying out or affecting the taste of zongzi. If you use a pressure cooker, take care that the amount of water in the pot must not be less than the minimum water mark.
Master the heat: The heat of cooking zongzi has an important impact on the taste and shape of zongzi. Boiling over high heat can speed up the cooking of the rice dumplings, but also be careful not to allow the water to boil dry or burn the rice dumplings. Simmering over low heat can make the rice dumplings more flavorful.
Pressure control: If you use a pressure cooker to cook zongzi, pay attention to controlling the pressure. Excessive pressure may cause the rice dumplings to burst or deform in shape. When adding pressure, make sure that the air in the pan is drained so as not to affect the taste.
Placement of zongzi: When cooking zongzi in a pot, arrange the zongzi neatly, do not overlap or press together. This can ensure that the zongzi are cooked evenly and avoid pinching.
Pay attention to the water level: During the cooking process, always pay attention to the changes in the water level. If the water level is too low, add hot water in time to avoid boiling dry or burning the zongzi.
Cooling method: Cooked zongzi should be taken out immediately to cool. You can put the zongzi in a bowl or plate, or you can rinse it with cold water to cool down, but do not cool it with ice water or refrigeration to avoid affecting the taste and quality.
Storage method: Cooled zongzi can be stored in a fresh-keeping bag and placed in a cool and ventilated place or in the refrigerator. If you need to store it for a longer period of time, you can choose to vacuum pack it or store it in the freezer.
By mastering the correct methods and techniques of cooking zongzi, you are sure to be able to cook delicious zongzi. Try it and enjoy the deliciousness and satisfaction of making your own rice dumplings. If you find this article helpful, welcome to tip, follow, favorite, like and comment, and let us share the joy of food together!