Lotus Seed Paste

Lotus seed paste is a sweet and smooth filling often used in Chinese pastries such as mooncakes. It's made from dried lotus seeds.

Ingredients - Serves 10

Soak the dried lotus seeds in water for a few hours until they become soft.
Drain the lotus seeds and remove the green sprouts in the center.
In a pot, add the lotus seeds and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 2 hours until they become very soft.
Drain the lotus seeds and blend them in a food processor until they form a smooth paste.
In a non-stick pan, heat the vegetable oil. Add the lotus seed paste and sugar, and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the paste becomes thick.
Let the paste cool before using it as a filling in pastries, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.