This is much better than what you can buy in SGV which tend to be super goopy and lacking in black sesame flavor…at least I haven’t found one that’s better and it only takes like 20-30 mins to make. Just make sure that you actually like black sesame.
Something like this:
200 grams - black sesame
120 grams - rock sugar
60 grams - rice (briefly rinse it)
4 teaspoons of bitter/Northern apricot kernels
Maybe start with 30 oz of water?
Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Toast black sesame until fragrant and seems a bit oily
- Blend toasted black sesame, apricot kernels, rice, and enough water you get a nice puree
- Strain it. A cheese cloth seems best.
- Combine the rest of the water, rock sugar, salt, and strained mixture over low heat in a sauce pot for about 15 mins. Keep stirring and the mixture will thicken up nicely.
- Adjust viscosity with more water to your liking and sweetness with more sugar/rock sugar to taste.
- QED
For the dessert dumplings, you can buy them at any Chinese supermarket. I personally prefer the ones with peanut or black sesame fillings and they go for like $2 a pack that comes with 10 ballz. Sometimes, I just cook them in a light sugar syrup and eat them as is. They’re like the taro dumplings that was in the Providence dessert except with fillings! Delish!