For a refreshing twist on Tāngyuán, try making fruit-filled sticky rice balls. This variation adds a burst of fruity flavors to the traditional dessert. To make fruit-filled Tāngyuán, prepare the dough using glutinous rice flour and water as in the classic recipe. Instead of using sweet paste fillings, choose your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, or blueberries. Cut the fruits into small pieces and use them as the filling for the rice balls. Roll the dough into balls, flatten them, and place a small piece of fruit in the center. Seal the dough and roll it back into a ball shape. Boil the filled rice balls until they float to the surface, and they are ready to be served. The fruit-filled Tāngyuán offer a delightful combination of textures, with the chewy outer layer and the juicy burst of fruit in the center. They are a refreshing and fruity dessert option that is perfect for warmer days or as a light treat after a meal.
