For a long time, mooncakes, the well-known sweets of the Mid-Autumn Festival, have been a crucial thing of Chinese culture. Each mooncake's unique character is mostly defined by its filling, even if the golden-brown crust is easily recognised. The type of fillings for mooncakes is a mirrored image of the numerous culinary customs discovered all through Asia and China. Every filling, from the traditional lotus seed paste to more contemporary versions like mixed nuts and gammon, has a different flavour profile and frequently has a symbolic significance.
Lotus Seed Filling
One of the most beloved fillings for classic mooncakes is lotus seed paste. This paste, which has a smooth, creamy texture and a somewhat sweet flavour, is made from dried lotus seeds. The lotus seed paste is made by soaking and cooking the seeds until they become soft. Then, the seeds are mashed and sweetened with sugar to make a smooth and creamy filling.
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Read Bean Paste
Another common filling for mooncakes is red bean paste, especially in Southern China. This filling, which many find enjoyable, has a somewhat gritty texture and a deliciously sweet taste. It is made of boiled, mashed adzuki beans that are sweetened. Depending on regional styles and personal desire, red bean paste comes in chunky and smooth varieties. This filling is particularly versatile; it may be employed in a multiple shape of mooncakes, including baked mooncakes and fashionable mooncakes.
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Mung Bean Paste
Though less popular than lotus and red bean paste, mung bean paste is still beloved by those who enjoy mooncakes. Mung beans are used to make this filling; they are boiled, mashed, or ground, and then sweetened. Mung bean paste has a smooth texture, a somewhat sweet flavour, and a light yellow-green colour. Beyond simply mooncakes, the paste is frequently used in other traditional Chinese desserts, and people looking for a lighter filling prefer it because mung beans are high in nutrients and low in calories.
Also read: Get to know Chinese mooncakes
Mixed Nuts Filling
A great option for people who enjoy bold flavours and crunchy textures is mixed nut filling. This filling consists of a ground mix of nuts, such as cashew nuts, walnuts, and almonds, and is teamed with sweet syrup to make a filling that is not only nutritious but satisfying too. The soft and chewy mooncake skin contrasts delightfully with the nutty flavours and scent. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes with mixed nuts can be savoured as an elevated snack or served with a cup of tea.
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Mixed Nuts And Ham Filling
A great option for people who enjoy bold flavours and crunchy textures is mixed nut filling. This filling, which is generally made of a mixture of nuts like cashews, walnuts, and almonds, is mixed with a sweet syrup to form a filling that is both healthy and fulfilling. The soft and chewy mooncake skin contrasts delightfully with the nutty flavours and scent. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes with mixed nuts can be savoured as an elevated snack or served with a cup of tea.
Golden Jade Filling
Another interesting mooncake paste is golden jade filling, which mixes the rich, buttery flavour of mung beans with pandan or green tea to create a visually stunning green filling. The bright colour of the golden jade filling gives the mooncakes visual attraction and makes them mainly popular during holiday events. The cooked and mashed yam used to make the yam paste filling has a naturally sweet and creamy texture. Yam paste with golden jade fillings is becoming more and more well-liked because they appeal to people seeking modern takes on traditional desserts.
Yam Paste Filling
Mooncakes made with yam paste, sometimes referred to as "orh-nee" in Teochew cooking, have a distinct yet reassuring flavour. This filling, which is made from mashed and steamed taro, a type of yam, is naturally sweet and slightly nutty. To make yam paste, simmer the taro until it becomes soft, then mash it with sugar, and for extra flavour, add coconut milk or shallot oil. The final paste is creamy with a hint of graininess and has a completely unique purple-grey colour. Mooncakes made with yam paste are especially well-liked in Southeast Asian nations like Singapore and Malaysia, where there is a sizable Chinese population.
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The filling for a mooncake is chosen based on dietary limits and personal desire. Depending on your preference, there is a mooncake filling that is sweet or savoury. Try a variety of fillings to find your favourite mooncake flavour.