Osmanthus Fermented Rice Glutinous Balls with Ice Jelly

Summer turns my appetite into a picky ghost—except when it comes to anything icy and sweet. One sweltering afternoon, I rummaged through my fridge and found half a box of leftover fermented rice. A lightbulb moment: Why not pair it with ice jelly and chewy rice balls?

My first attempt was a comedy of errors: overcooked blobs of rice balls and runny jelly. But the second try? Magic. The jelly shimmered like crystal, infused with osmanthus fragrance, while the rice balls bounced happily between my teeth. The fermented rice added a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness. Now, it’s my go-to summer treat, and friends even request it for gatherings.

🔍 Ingredient Breakdown

• Ice Jelly: Made from konjac or agar, zero-fat and silky, it soaks up the osmanthus syrup beautifully.

• Fermented Rice: Glutinous rice fermented with yeast, mildly alcoholic (<1%), aids digestion.

• Rice Balls: Chewy mochi-like bites made from glutinous rice flour.

• Osmanthus Honey: Floral and aromatic, it elevates the dessert’s fragrance.

• Honey Water: Adds moisture; can be swapped with sugar-free syrup.

  
  

🍽️Serving Suggestions

• Temperature: Serve chilled for maximum refreshment, or let sit briefly if sensitive to cold.

• Upgrades: Add diced mango or crushed peanuts for texture.

• Sugar-Free: Use erythritol instead of honey.

• Fermented Rice: Choose aged versions for stronger flavor, or sweet ones for mildness.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

It’s a summer night captured in a bowl—the jelly’s coolness, osmanthus’s perfume, the playful chew of rice balls, and the fermented rice’s nostalgic tang. Plus, it’s foolproof! No fancy skills needed.

For me, it’s also comfort food. After late work hours, a spoonful of this—cracked jelly mingling with honey and rice—melts stress away. If you crave such simple joy, try it tomorrow.

🥗RECIPE🥗

👉🏻Ingredients list

• 20g white jelly powder

• 200ml water

• 1 tsp dried osmanthus

• 2 tbsp osmanthus honey

• 100g fermented rice

• 80g glutinous rice balls

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

👩🍳DIRECTIONS:

1. 1️⃣ Cook Rice Balls: Boil until floating, then simmer 1 minute. Chill in ice water.
   2️⃣ Make Jelly: Boil jelly powder + water, stir in 1 tbsp osmanthus honey, pour into a bowl, and refrigerate.
   3️⃣ Assemble: Cut set jelly, top with rice balls, fermented rice, and drizzle honey.

❓ FAQ

1. Q1: Why won’t my jelly set?
   A: Ensure a 1:10 jelly-to-water ratio. Chill longer if too soft.

   Q2: Can I heat fermented rice?
   A: Heat kills probiotics. Serve cold or warm separately.

   Q3: No osmanthus honey?
   A: Mix regular honey with dried osmanthus, or use rose syrup.