Yumari
Yumari is kind of a steamed bun made of rice dough and filled with a sweet filling. It plays an important role in ceremonies and festivities of Newar community, originating in the Kathmandu Valley.
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On the other hand it is not a difficult task to prepare yumari. You will need a steamer for this one.
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Traditionally the filling is based on jaggery, but if you find it difficult to get it in your area, you can substitute it with molasses or brown sugar.
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Preparation time: 1 hr. 15 mins.
Difficulty level: Medium
Servings: 8
Special equipment: Steamer
Ingredients
400 g rice flour
50 g wheat flour
200 g molasses/1 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup cashew nuts
1/2 cup grated coconut
Vegetable oil
Preparation
In a frying pan roast the cashew nuts until they are golden brown. Put aside.
In the same pan roast the sesame seeds until golden brown.
In a saucepan heat the molasses (if using sugar, add 1/3 cup hot water and stir until the sugar dissolves).
Add roasted nuts, sesame seeds, coconut and 1 tbsp. rice flour and cook on low heat, stirring constantly for 20 mins.
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Prepare the dough: in a bowl mix the flours together, gradually add 1 1/2 cups warm water, while constantly mixing until you get a soft dough. The dough should be soft but not runny.
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Using oiled hands prepare 10-15 pieces of dough shaped like a rugby ball. Form a sharp tip on one edge and using your thumb create a deep hole on the other edge. Put 2 tsps. of filling into the hole and tighten the dough above the filling to close the hole.
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Arrange the pieces in the steamer plate, leaving some space between them to let the steam circulate. Steam for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
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