Traditional Heh Piah Recipe: Experience the Flavor of a Classic Chinese Delight

Ingredients

  • 300g plain flour
  • 150g sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tsp alkaline water
  • 150g maltose
  • 150g sesame seeds
  • 100g shallots, finely chopped
  • 100g peanuts roasted and grounded
  • 1 tsp five spice powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 150g molasses
  • 50g sugar
  • 50g vegetable oil
  • 50g water

Steps and instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, beaten egg, cooking oil, and alkaline water until it forms a smooth dough. Set aside for later use.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the maltose, sesame seeds, chopped shallots, ground peanuts, five-spice powder, and salt.
  3. Heat the molasses, sugar, vegetable oil, and water in a pot until it forms a syrup.
  4. Slowly pour the syrup into the maltose mixture, stirring continuously until well combined. This forms the filling for the Heh Piah.
  5. Divide the dough and the filling into equal parts, roughly the size of a golf ball.
  6. Take a piece of dough and flatten it into a disc shape. Place a portion of the filling in the center of the dough disc.
  7. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
  8. Dip each ball into water and then roll in sesame seeds until fully coated.
  9. Place the balls onto a baking tray, flatten slightly, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Allow the Heh Piah to cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Medium bowl - for mixing the dough
  • Separate bowl - for combining the filling ingredients
  • Pot - for heating the syrup
  • Baking tray - for placing the Heh Piah during baking
  • Oven - for baking the Heh Piah
  • Rolling pin - for flattening the dough
  • Spatula - for stirring the syrup and filling
  • Knife - for finely chopping the shallots
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the ingredients
  • Pastry brush - for brushing water onto the Heh Piah before rolling in sesame seeds

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or coconut filling.
  • Add diced pork or chicken to the filling for a meat version of Heh Piah.
  • Replace the sesame seeds coating with crushed peanuts or crushed almonds for a different texture.
  • Add grated coconut or desiccated coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
  • Incorporate spices like cinnamon or cardamom into the dough for a unique flavor profile.
  • Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding ingredients like minced garlic, chopped scallions, and soy sauce to the filling.
  • Make miniature bite-sized Heh Piah by reducing the portion sizes and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace the plain flour with gluten-free flour blend.
  • Customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or adding honey or maple syrup to the filling.

Recipe overview

Heh Piah, also known as Sesame Seed Balls, is a traditional Chinese snack that is both delicious and satisfying. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delightful treats from scratch. Each Heh Piah is made from a dough that is filled with a sweet and savory mixture of maltose, sesame seeds, shallots, and ground peanuts. The Heh Piah is then rolled in sesame seeds and baked until golden. With its crispy exterior and sweet, gooey interior, Heh Piah is the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you're new to baking or an experienced cook, this straightforward recipe will make the process of creating homemade Heh Piah a breeze. Enjoy the process of making it as much as eating these scrumptious delights!

Common questions

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of plain flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for plain flour in this recipe.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for maltose? If you don't have maltose, you can use honey or corn syrup as a substitute.
  3. Can I omit the sesame seeds? Yes, if you don't like sesame seeds or are allergic to them, you can skip them or replace them with other toppings of your choice.
  4. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use other cooking oils such as vegetable oil or canola oil instead of cooking oil.
  5. How long will the Heh Piah stay fresh? The Heh Piah can stay fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  6. Can I freeze the Heh Piah? Yes, you can freeze the Heh Piah for longer storage. Make sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized bowl for mixing the dough and filling.
  • Pot - Used to heat the ingredients and make the syrup for the filling.
  • Baking Tray - A flat tray used for baking the Heh Piah in the oven.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool for flattening the dough into discs.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Oven - An appliance for baking the Heh Piah.

Origin stories

Heh Piah, also known as Fujianese sesame seed biscuit, is a traditional pastry hailing from the Fujian province in China, where it is deeply embedded in the local culture and cuisine. Legend holds that during the Ming dynasty, General Qi Jiguang crafted a plan to trick enemy forces. He instructed his soldiers to make and carry these biscuits, wafting the aroma of freshly-baked pastries across the battlefield. Relying on the enemy's presumption that an army on the move wouldn't be able to bake, he successfully deceived them into thinking that they were still far from their location. Today, Heh Piah serves as a delicious memento of this historic military cleverness, a testament to the ingenious strategies employed during times of conflict, and a symbol of the rich, layered history of Fujian province.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.