Five-nut filling, a classic filling of traditional Chinese mooncakes, blends the unique flavors of various nuts and is widely loved. Its preparation embodies craftsmanship, with main ingredients including peanut kernels, walnut kernels, sunflower seeds, almonds, and black and white sesame seeds. After being roasted, these nuts release an enticing aroma, which is then finely crushed and cleverly combined with sugar, maltose, glutinous rice flour, and oil. The result is not only a fragrant, sweet, and crispy texture but also provides nourishing effects, such as blood replenishment, making it an essential delicacy for festive occasions.
The steps to make five-nut filling are simple yet meticulous: first, roast 100 grams of walnut kernels slowly over low heat until fragrant; next, 150 grams of peanut kernels undergo a similar roasting process, and their skins need to be manually rubbed off. Both 30 grams of black and white sesame seeds are also roasted until fragrant; 50 grams each of sunflower seeds and almonds are not exempt, roasted until the aroma fills the air. In addition, 200 grams of glutinous rice flour should be painstakingly roasted over low heat until slightly yellow to enhance the layers of the filling. Once the nuts have released their aroma and cooled down, they are separately bagged and lightly crushed to preserve their original texture and facilitate mixing.
During the mixing stage, first blend 120 grams of maltose with 100 grams of corn oil in a bowl, then add all the roasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, crushed walnuts, crushed almonds, and peeled crushed peanuts in sequence. Finally, sprinkle in 150 grams of powdered white sugar to ensure that each nut is sweetly coated. At this point, add the pre-roasted glutinous rice flour, which not only absorbs excess oil but also makes the filling easier to shape.
Through careful stirring, allow the ingredients to fully merge until the mixture can easily form a ball when squeezed, indicating the completion of an authentic five-nut filling. It is not only delicious and nutritious but also carries the taste of home and the warmth of the festival, encouraging every family to personally try their hand at it, sharing this warmth and happiness from the kitchen during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
