Nutritious & Delightful ‘Yulan’ (Sweet Chestnut Balls): A Homemade Treat
Yulan Recipe: A Nutritious Snack, Korean Chestnut Dessert, Perfect for Kids & Tea Parties
Discover how to make ‘Yulan’, a delightful and nutritious snack made from sweet chestnuts. It’s a perfect treat for kids, an elegant addition to your tea party spread, or a wonderful dessert. Yulan captures the pure, sweet essence of chestnuts in a healthy, easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
- Boiled chestnuts (peeled and with inner skin removed)
- Pinch of salt
- Honey
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh chestnuts thoroughly. Steam them in a steamer basket or boil them in a pot for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2
Once the chestnuts are well-cooked, let them cool slightly. Then, carefully scoop out the flesh using a spoon or fork, preparing to mash them. Double-check to ensure all the outer skin and the thin inner skin have been completely removed.
Step 3
Add a pinch of salt to the mashed chestnuts to enhance their natural sweetness. Gradually add honey, mixing well as you go. Adjust the amount of honey based on the sweetness of the chestnuts and your preference, aiming for a consistency that holds its shape without being too sticky. Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press and knead the mixture until it becomes cohesive and slightly elastic.
Step 4
Divide the well-kneaded chestnut mixture into bite-sized portions. Shape each portion into a small, round, or slightly flattened ball, resembling a natural chestnut. Making them bite-sized is ideal for children. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dust them with a bit of chestnut flour or rice flour, or dampen your hands slightly with water to make shaping easier.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to beautifully garnish the Yulan. Place the toasted sesame seeds in a small dish, and pour a generous amount of honey into another small bowl.
Step 6
Dip the bottom of each shaped Yulan lightly into the honey. Applying a thin, even coat of honey will help the sesame seeds adhere properly.
Step 7
Gently press the honey-coated bottom of the Yulan into the dish of toasted sesame seeds, ensuring an even coating. This creates a natural, rustic look, similar to how real chestnuts appear with a bit of soil clinging to them.
Step 8
Your adorable and appetizing Yulan are now complete! Arrange them attractively on a platter for your tea party or dessert table. This homemade Yulan, packed with the concentrated flavor and nutrition of chestnuts, is a delightful treat for everyone to enjoy.
