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[throwingames]

I would really like to try making Chinese Longevity Buns, however the recipe calls for lotus paste and I have absolutely no idea where I can buy it. I got the recipe on yahoo answers (which I'm already a bit weary of) and it mentions substituting the paste with red bean paste instead, but I'd prefer to try something sweeter. Is there any substitute

Comments

[dangerdourk]

In my experience, red bean paste is very sweet; how sweet are you looking for, exactly? Chinese red dates also sometimes go into Chinese desserts, and might work in this recipe, but obviously won't taste anything like the lotus seed paste OR red bean paste. Lotus seed paste is probably available at most chinese markets, if there's one near where you live.

[throwingames]

Ah ok I've never actually had red bean paste and I assumed since beans tend to be rather bland, so would the paste.

Is this something I could buy in a regular supermarket? I don't live anywhere near any Chinese markets.

[dangerdourk]

:( I doubt it, unless the asian section of your grocery store is crazily well stocked. Maybe a health food store would have it? I'd say regular dates are your best bet, if you don't have a resource for Chinese groceries. Good luck!

[outdoortoys]

I have to agree with red bean paste being very sweet, but if it's not enough for you liking, you could try almond paste. That would be very very sweet.

[a_foxie_smile]

If you really can't get to a Chinese Supermarket for red bean or lotus paste then you could make a peanut filling:

250g peanuts
100g confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Toast raw peanuts in the wok for 20 to 30 minutes @ medium low fire until well toasted. Remove and let cook for 20 minutes.
Shell the peanuts using paper towels (get rid of all skin so it is not bitter)
Grind peanuts until fine. Sift confectioner's sugar and add to ground peanuts and mix well.
Add the 1/2 cup of peanut butter mix well again.