Hakka Yam Abacus 客家算盘子

Yam Abacus is a Chinese Hakka dish. It is called "算盘子". This dish symbolises wealth as the yam balls are shaped like abacus beads.

 

Ingredients:-

600g yam, cut into chunks, steamed until softband mashed finely

300g tapioca flour, 1 tsp salt

Some boiling water to mix (if necessary)

2000ml boiling water, 2 tbsp oil

4 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp chopped garlic and shallots

3 tbsp dried prawns, soaked

2 tbsp dried squid shreds, soaked

200g minced meat

3 mushrooms, soaked, shredded

 

Seasoning:

1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp chicken stock granules

1 tsp dark soya sauce, salt to taste

1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp sesame oil

1 cup heaven

 

Garnishing:

Some chopped spring onion and fried shallots

 

Method:

1) Combine all Ingredients and mix into a pliable dough. Divide into small portions and form into the shape of abacus. Cook in boiling water until they can float up. Remove and rinse in cold water. Drain and mix with 2 tbsp oil. Set aside.

2) Heat up 4 tbsp oil, saute chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add in dried prawns, dried squid shreds and stir-fry until aromatic. Add minced meat, mushroom shreds, black fungus shreds and stir-fry until fragrant. Add in seasoning and bring to boil. Stir in yam abacus and stir-fry until dry. Taste and dish up.

3) Garnish with spring onion, fried shallots and serve hot.