Sweet red bean zongzi are a festive Dragon Boat treat with naturally sweet filling. A family dessert wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves.
Soak bamboo leaves in hot water for 1 hour, then rinse thoroughly and drain.
Rinse sticky rice until water runs clear; soak for at least 3 hours, then drain well.
Simmer dried red beans in water for 50–60 minutes until soft but still holding shape. Drain, then mix with 3 tbsp sugar and set aside.
Lay out 3 bamboo leaves overlapping, form a cone, fill with a layer of soaked rice, a spoonful of sweetened red beans, then more rice on top.
Fold leaves over filling into a tight triangle and tie securely with kitchen twine.
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, add 0.5 tsp salt, and submerge each wrapped zongzi. Simmer on medium-low heat for 3 hours, ensuring water level stays above the zongzi.
Remove zongzi with tongs; let cool for 10 minutes. Unwrap leaves and serve warm, optionally dusted with 2 tbsp sugar.