Tang yuan

Tangyuan is a traditional dessert consisting of glutinous rice flour balls, which are soft and chewy, and can be either small and plain or larger with fillings. The fillings vary but commonly include sweetened black sesame, peanut, red bean paste, or even fruit fillings. Tangyuan can be served in a thin sweet soup or broth, which can be flavored with ginger, osmanthus flowers, or simply a clear sweet syrup. It is often served during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. The dish symbolizes family unity and happiness, as the round shape of the tangyuan is associated with completeness and togetherness. Eating tangyuan during the Lantern Festival is a way to celebrate family reunions and the beginning of spring.