Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice

This is a traditional Chinese dessert where glutinous rice is stuffed in lotus root, then sweetened with a syrup. It's a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Clean the lotus root and cut off both ends. Remove the inside to create a hollow tube.
Stuff the soaked glutinous rice into the lotus root. Seal both ends with the cut-off pieces.
In a pot, add the stuffed lotus root, rock sugar, water, and red dates. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and simmer for 2 hours, or until the lotus root is soft and the rice is cooked through.
Remove the lotus root from the pot and let it cool. Slice into thin pieces.
Drizzle with osmanthus syrup before serving.