The smooth, velvety zhi ma hu or black sesame soup is a variety of Chinese tong sui (lit. sugar water), a dessert soup commonly enjoyed for breakfast, after meals, or served for teatime accompanied by dim sum, the traditional Cantonese bite-sized tea snacks.
Particularly popular in southern China and Hong Kong, this dessert boasts numerous health benefits, thanks to the extremely nutrient black sesame seeds which are rich in vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and iron. Zhi ma hu is known to improve digestion, kidney function, prevent gallstones, and reduce blood fat.
Although classic in its ingredients, this version of black sesame soup stands out for several reasons. First, the recipe emphasizes thorough blending and grinding, ensuring an irresistibly smooth texture. Second, the touch of Chinese rock sugar introduces a delicate sweetness that complements the earthy tones of toasted sesame.
The following recipe sticks to the essential black sesame soup ingredients and takes on a minimalistic approach. The sesame seeds and rice are toasted, ground well, combined with sugar, and poured over with boiling water. The soup is left to sit a few minutes before serving. The toasting of rice and sesame produced a rich, earthy flavor, and the soup is done in a matter of minutes, perfect if you're looking to save time.
Although classic in its ingredients, this version of black sesame soup stands out for several reasons. First, the recipe emphasizes thorough blending and grinding, ensuring an irresistibly smooth texture. Second, the touch of Chinese rock sugar introduces a delicate sweetness that complements the earthy tones of toasted sesame.