Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Step 1: Make the Red Bean Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the red beans with 1 cup water.  Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.

Step 2: Drain the red beans, then transfer to a small saucepan with the remaining 3 cups of water.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and cook for 1 hour, until soft enough to mash with a fork.

Step 3: Add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and a thick red bean paste forms.

Step 4: Transfer the red bean paste to a bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the paste to prevent a skin from forming.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Make the Dough: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the hot water with the light brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Step 6: Add the glutinous rice flour to a medium bowl and use a spoon to create a small well in the center.

Step 7: Pour the sugar syrup into the well and stir for 5 minutes, until the dough is well combined and no longer sticks to the bowl.

Step 8: Lightly dust a clean surface with glutinous rice flour.  Trun the dough out and knead for 5 minutes, until it forms a smooth, round ball.  Use a little bit more flour or water as needed.

Step 9: Divide the dough into 8 pieces.  Roll the pieces into small balls, then flatten into disks about 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2-inches in diameter.

Step 10: Place 1 teaspoon of red bean filling in the center of a piece of dough.  Fold in the edges to cover the filling, then roll into a ball.  Roll the ball in the sesame seeds until dough is covered.  Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 11: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350 degrees F.

Step 12: Fry the sesame balls for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.  Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these traditional Chinese fried sesame balls from Tasty!