Sticky rice bundles (粽子 Zongzi ) are made from sticky or glutinous rice and a filling, which is kneaded in. They are then wrapped in bamboo leaves in pillow or triangular-based pyramid shapes, and tied with plant stems. If you are careful the bamboo leaves can be folded back like a wrapper so that you don't get your fingers sticky while eating them. They are often found sold at train and bus stations and make more of a meal than a snack. Glutinous rice is very filling.

INGREDIENTS:

-50 sheets of bamboo or reed leaves

-Glutinous rice (1 kilogram)

-Chinese dates (250 grams)

PREPARATION

1.Soak the rice and the dates 12 hours or more till they are soaked thoroughly.

2.Wash the leaves.

3.A chopping board is necessary for laying out the leaves.

4.Fold the leaves flat at the leafstalk to make a sheet.

5.Hold the sheet, fold it round in the middle and make a funnel till both ends are laid over each other in one direction.

6.About 1/10 kg. of rice and 6 dates used for each dumpling. The dates must be covered by rice so that they won't lose too much syrup in cooking.

7.Fold the leaves up to seal the open side of the funnel and tie the bundle with a band made of twisted leaves. Make sure that the bundle is tied neither too tight nor too loose so that the ingredients are well cooked.

8.Put the dumplings in a pot with water over and make sure they are pressed and kept still while being boiled.

9.Cooking time: 40 minutes in a pressure cooker; 2 hours in an ordinary pot.

This recipe was submitted by guest writer Ronghe Yu.

Source: chinesefood.about.com