Longan White fungus Dessert

Longan White fungus Dessert 

Ingredients:

Fresh Longan Fruit  - 15 to 20 Nos.

White Fungus  -  70g

Dried Red Dates  -  50g

Ginkgo Nuts  -  50 g

Pumpkin Seeds  -  25 g

Palm Sugar  -  100g 

Steps:

Soak white fungus and dried red dates separately in warm water for minimum 30 minutes. 

The yellowish white fungus will swell and increase double its size and will be semi transparent.So soak in a big container with sufficient water until it is gelatinously soft. 

The base core will be firm, trim that away. Snip the rest which resembles petals into small bite size pieces.

In a heavy bottom sauce pan, add 1 cup of water and the palm sugar. 

Bring it to boil, until palm sugar completely melts. Filter for impurities and bring to boil again.

First add the soaked red dates, after 2 minutes add the pumpkin seeds and ginkgo nuts.

Add 3 more cups of water and the white fungus, close with a lid and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.

Peel the longan fruit, remove the seeds and add to the simmering sugar water.

Switch off. Mix well. let all the ingredients soak in in the sugar. 

This dessert can be served warm or chilled.

My Notes:

White fungus or snow fungus is mainly used by Chinese in desserts or in soups. Very rarely it is used in stir fry vegetable dish.

I was hesitant for quite long to make this dish as was not sure to cook this white fungus. But the first try proved it otherwise. very simple and easy. 

It has been prized for its medicinal properties of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour. I like the chewy texture and being bland in taste, can go well with  any mix of fruits.

Ginkgo nuts is, in contrast, soft slightly nutty and slightly bitter. Helps alleviate cough and phlegm. It is nutritious but advised not to take in large quantities.

I have used the vacuum packed type. The fresh ones have shell. It is dry fried to remove the shells and then have to be cooked longer to be used in the recipe.

Longan gives a soothing and calming effect. 

There can be variations given to prepare the dish.

Pandan leaves can be added to get that unique flavour. 

Chinese pear can be cut into cubes and added to the dessert. 

Pumpkin seeds can be substituted with sunflower seeds and ginkgo with lotus nuts.

A chilled longan dessert  is a great  welcome on a hot day.