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.
On the other hand it is not a difficult task to prepare yumari. You will need a steamer for this one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrange the pieces in the steamer plate, leaving some space between them to let the steam circulate. Steam for 10 minutes. Serve hot.