Food as Medicine: Nian Gao

The Lunar New Year isn’t complete without one of the season's most cherished staples: Nian Gao. This glutinous rice cake represents over two millennia of heritage and a collective hope for the future.

The popularity of this cake lies in its beautiful linguistic symbolism. In Mandarin, the name is a homophone for “year high,” a shortening of the phrase "nian nian gao sheng," which translates literally to “rising higher year after year.” The cakes may be small, but the metaphor is vast. To enjoy a slice is to invite a year of "rising higher," whether that manifests as personal maturity, professional success, or physical growth.

One of its most enduring legends around these treats dates back to the Spring and Autumn period (approx. 500 BC). It is said that General Wu Zixu instructed his people to bury "bricks" of glutinous rice beneath the city walls as a hidden food reserve. During a later siege, these rice bricks saved the population from famine. This transformation of a survival ration into a celebratory treat speaks to the profound resilience at the heart of the culture.

While regional variations range from the savory, stir-fried cakes of the North to the sweet, amber-hued rounds of the South, the hallmark of Nian Gao is its texture. The signature "stickiness" is intentional, symbolizing the cohesive bonds of family and the hope that good fortune will "stick" to the household in the months to come.

Each ingredient in our Eight Treasure Nian Gao has health benefits, some you may already know about, others may come as a surprise. Over all, Nian Gao is:

• Rich in Minerals: It contains manganese, iron, calcium and magnesium, and selenium.

• Anti-Inflammatory: The combination of nuts and seeds provides a high amount of antioxidants.

• Provides Cardiovascular Support: : Glutinous rice contains compounds like anthocyanins, which may lower cholesterol and have anti-aging properties.

• Gluten-Free: It is generally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with sensitivities.

Traditional Nian Gao often requires hours of meticulous steaming to achieve its deep caramelization; however, contemporary kitchens have embraced more versatile methods but the essence remains unchanged: it is a celebration of continuity and growth. Please find our delicious Eight Treasure Nian Gao recipe, (adapted from The Mala Market's recipe) below!

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Eight Treasure Nian Gao

For this tasty recipe the treasures are the eggs, coconut oil, walnuts, pinenuts, macadamia nuts, red beans, and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 1 C raw sugar

• 1/3 C coconut oil

• 2 1/2 C whole milk

• 16oz glutinous rice flour, we recommend this brand

• 2 T chopped walnuts

• 2 T pinenuts

• 2 T macadamia nuts

• 1 T red (adzuki) beans (you may use canned beans or cook them on your own)

• 2 T white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 

2. Grease or line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs together to break up yolks (for best results, avoid beating). 

4. Add the sugar and oil, whisking well to combine. 

5. While stirring continuously, gradually sift rice flour alternating with milk, whisking until incorporated and few clumps remain. 

6. Add in walnuts, pinenuts, macadamia nuts and red beans

7. Pour batter into prepared pan 

8. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top

9. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until edges have browned and top has set, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out mostly clean. Any bubbles will flatten upon cooling.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for one hour before slicing. 

11. Enjoy! 

*Nian Gao can be stored, wrapped tightly, at room temperature up to three days.

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.