How to Make Zongzi
Making zongzi is a traditional Chinese food that is popular during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a fun and rewarding activity that brings families together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make zongzi.
Ingredients
Some polished glutinous rice
Meat （such as pork, beef, or chicken）
Dried dates
Bamboo leaves
Five-thread silk or string
Water
Steps
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by soaking the glutinous rice in water for a while. This helps to soften the rice, making it easier to shape.
Prepare the Bamboo Leaves: Clean the bamboo leaves and soak them in water for a few hours or overnight. This makes them more pliable and easier to fold.
Shape the Rice: Take a handful of soaked glutinous rice and shape it into a ball. Place a piece of meat and a dried date in the center of the rice ball.
Fold the Leaves: Take two bamboo leaves and place one on top of the other, with the凸出（convex）side facing up. Fold the edges of the leaves over the rice ball, creating a triangle or pyramid shape.
Secure the Leaves: Use five-thread silk or string to tie the folded leaves around the rice ball, ensuring that the edges are tightly sealed. This prevents the糯米 from falling out.
Steam the Zongzi: Place the tied zongzi in a steamer basket and steam over boiling water until the rice is cooked through and the leaves are soft.
Enjoy: Once the zongzi is ready, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly before enjoying. It can be served with various sauces or condiments.
Making zongzi is not only a delicious way to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival but also a great opportunity to spend time with family and传承（pass down）traditional customs.