Sweet or savory purple root

Abacus seeds or yam gnocchi

This is a lovely dish from the Hakka people, with fried shallots, vegetables, minced meat and tender yam gnocchi.

? 1 large yam, about 1.2 kg

? 1 cup fine-milled rice flour

? 6 shallots, thinly sliced

? 3-4 dried Chinese mushrooms, soaked and sliced

? 1/2 cup frozen peas

? 2-3 tablespoon diced carrots

? 300 g minced pork (or chicken/beef)

? Spring onions/coriander for garnish

First make the dumplings. Peel and cube the yam and steam over high heat for 30 minutes. Drain off excess water and place in large mixing bowl.

Add salt, pepper and rice flour and knead with your hands till the dough is soft and even.

Punch off small balls, and press your thumb firmly in the middle of each to form an "abacus seed". Finish up the dough.

Next, deep-fry the shallots in about 3-4 tablespoons of oil. Add carrots, mushrooms and peas. Stir fry the mince till it breaks up and combines with the vegetable. The mixture may be slightly oily, but you need it to be. Set it aside.

Boil a pot of water and cook the gnocchi till they float.

Scoop the cooked dumplings into the pork and vegetable mixture. Heat up, toss to combine. Taste and season with oyster sauce, pepper. Garnish with the chopped spring onions and coriander

And here you are, a healthy all-natural Chinese pasta made with yams.