Kurdish-style Sweet Rice Balls

Ingredients

In this Kurdish adaptation, we incorporate flavors commonly found in Kurdish cuisine. The original Japanese Gyūhi is typically made with matcha powder and filled with sweet bean paste. However, in this recipe, we replace matcha with saffron and the sweet bean paste with a coating of ground pistachios, giving it a distinct Kurdish twist. We alse have the original recipe for Gyūhi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rose water 1/4 cup (60ml) rose water
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 1/2 cup (75g) ground pistachios 1/2 cup (75g) ground pistachios
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, rose water, saffron threads, and granulated sugar. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, place the ground pistachios.
4. 4.
   Roll each rice ball in the ground pistachios, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Place the coated rice balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Ensure you are using glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired chewy texture.
• Saffron threads — Soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This helps release their vibrant color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a stronger saffron flavor, you can increase the amount of saffron threads.
• For added sweetness, you can dust the rice balls with powdered sugar before serving.
• Experiment with different coatings such as shredded coconut or crushed almonds for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Serve these sweet rice balls with a cup of Kurdish black tea for a traditional Kurdish experience.
• These rice balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve these Kurdish-style sweet rice balls as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat during festive occasions. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rice balls on a beautiful platter, garnished with a sprinkle of rose petals or additional ground pistachios for an elegant presentation.