Sweet fermented rice soup with tiny tang yuan is a warming, probiotic-rich dessert. A family recipe with fresh, naturally sweet fermented flavor.
Combine cooked glutinous rice and 4 cups of water in a sterilized pot. Cool to just warm (under 105ºF), then gently crumble in sweet rice fermentation starter. Stir well.
Cover the pot with a clean cheesecloth and place in a warm spot (75–86ºF) for 36–48 hours, checking after 24 hours for light sweetness and a mild wine aroma. Do not disturb or stir during fermentation.
Prepare the tiny tang yuan: Mix glutinous rice flour with 1/2 cup water and knead to form a smooth, soft dough. With lightly wet hands, pinch off and roll into pea-sized balls.
Bring 1 cup fresh water to a gentle boil in a saucepan. Drop in the tang yuan, stirring gently so they do not stick. Cook until the balls float, about 2 minutes, then transfer to cold water briefly and drain.
When fermentation is complete, gently stir the sweet fermented rice soup, add the sugar and salt, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add in the cooked tiny tang yuan and simmer 2 minutes more. Serve warm for best flavor and probiotic benefits.