Taro Paste (Orh Nee)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Country of Origin
China (Teochew / Chaoshan Region)
Description
A decadent, silky-smooth warm purée made from mashed taro root. It is sweetened precisely and cooked with savory lard or fragrant homemade shallot oil, which strips away the chalkiness of the root to create a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture topped with sweet ginkgo nuts.
Presentation & How It's Eaten
Served warm in shallow dessert bowls, often drizzled with a light coconut cream or syrup and garnished with candied pumpkin chunks or ginkgo nuts.
Ingredients
400g fresh taro root (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
80g granulated sugar
3 tbsp pure lard or homemade shallot oil (divided)
2 tbsp water (if needed for blending)
8 candied ginkgo nuts (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Directions
Steam Taro: Arrange the diced taro cubes in a single layer on a plate and steam over high heat for 15 to 20 minutes until completely soft and easily mashed with a fork.
Mash/Purée: Transfer the piping hot taro into a food processor while it's steaming. Add the sugar and 1 tablespoon of lard/shallot oil. Blend on high speed until it forms an absolutely uniform, thick lavender paste. Add a splash of water if the blade catches.
Cook and Emulsify: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of lard or shallot oil in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Pour the blended taro paste into the skillet.
Stir Continuously: Cook on low heat, stirring continuously with a spatula for 5 minutes. The taro paste will slowly absorb the oil, changing from a matte texture to a glossy sheen.
Plate: Spoon the hot, smooth paste into individual serving bowls.
Garnish: Press the candied ginkgo nuts into the surface of the paste before serving.
Cooking Tips
Don't Skip the Fat: Genuine Orh Nee demands a high ratio of fat (traditionally lard). Without it, the taro paste will dry out instantly into a chalky, thick paste that sticks to the roof of your mouth. The fat emulsifies the starches, providing its signature velvety texture.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving)
Calories: ~260 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
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