Ang ku kuih or translated directly to English would be the Red Tortoise Cake is a common traditional pastry originated from China. Universally shaped in round or oval shape, this Chinese pastry is commonly prepared with sticky glutinous rice flour and sweet potato as skin and wrapping around a sweet filling in the center. Chinese believes in tortoises bringing longevity as the tortoises are mostly almost living an eternity lifespan. Chinese also believes in the symbol of this cake to bring good fortune and prosperity. That is why; this is commonly prepared during auspicious celebrations or ceremonies. They are culturally important to the Chinese on birthdays for the new born and the elderly. It represents longevity and good health to the child and the elderly.
Today, older generations still practice this culture and it still holds a significant symbol to most of them. But most people do not restrict to any special occasion to be eating this anymore. See my last post here to find out where you can get one of these delicious kuih.
Mum being the usual awesome pastry chef has always been doing the Ang Ku Kuih and I have never published it on the blog before. Mum has always been real creative with traditional recipes. That’s why it is purple in colour instead of the usual red.
The colours are not really intense before steaming and it is important to avoid dabbing to much oil onto the surface the kuih.
To begin, we started off with the choices of the fillings. This time, I wanted the red bean paste. So mum made the red bean paste. Then mum proceed with the skin, using some sweet potato and glutinous flour.
I wanted bite size so mum made really tine ones for me. The technique to prepare this is somewhat similar to that of making the pau. The filling was wrapped in the center with the skin.
Don’t forget the banana leaves beneath each kuih so after steaming you also get very mild fragrant from the leaf.
The steaming doesn’t take too long, and before you know it, viola!
Lastly, its nom, nom, nom……
A tip to readers, these little devils taste much better when flattened and fried both sides till it is slightly crisp.
Note: I didn’t make this so I do not know the recipe and amount of ingredient.
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Oh wow, your mum and my mum are on the same wavelength, she made a purple version last time too with purple potatoes. Hehehehe I have the ang gu kueh mold too, should really give it a go one day!
Do ! Do! Do!!
Will get the banana leaves! Make my first brach red first I think.
Very nice! 🙂
I would love to eat some of that! I have never seen purple ones in Sibu though – usually they’re red or white (for peanuts) or green (for paste).
Purple ones are not traditional ones I think. I don’t see anyone selling purple ones anywhere too… Must go scout and investigate this…lol.
ooo, i’m familiar with the attractive red ones, but i’ve not seen these purple ones either yet. looks equally tempting, and very nicely stuffed! if you were taking orders, i’d happily request a dozen, heheh 😀
Sean, thanks for the compliment. Mum’s gonna be real happy to find people liking her purple ku kuih. Although she is already aware of it thanks to all her friends. Let’s not over compliment her…already on cloud nine.
Don’t know how to make, don’t dare try…but I like!!!! Prefer the white bean paste filling though…
No need to know how to make…we just know how to ‘eat’ ..lol.
there is nothing that can beats homecooked food. i love the colour!
Wilson
Thanks! Working on blue colour now… 🙂
Looks like quite easy to make!
Ask you mum for recipe la XD
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Lol. I think the filling is tedious process.
dear wanna make for me? LOL!!!
I shall try..LOL..