Chinese, Dessert

Lotus Seed Paste Buns (Lian Rong Bao)

Serves 10

Ingredients

Method

500 g all-purpose flour
1 tbsp instant yeast
50 g sugar
1 cu warm water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
200 g dried lotus seeds
100 g sugar
½ cu water
100 ml vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten

Combine flour, instant yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Slowly stir in warm water to the flour mixture and mix until it forms a soft dough.

Add vegetable oil to the dough and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Soak dried lotus seeds in hot water for 2 hours then drain.

Cook lotus seeds with water and sugar in a pot over medium heat until soft.

Blend the lotus seed mixture into a fine paste then gradually incorporate vegetable oil until the paste is smooth and spreadable.

Divide the risen dough into 10 equal pieces.

Flatten each dough piece and place a spoonful of lotus seed paste in the center.

Gather the edges of the dough to encase the filling and pinch to seal.

Place each bun on a small piece of parchment paper.

Let the buns rest for about 15 minutes.

Prepare your steamer by bringing water to a boil.

Steam the buns for 12 minutes or until they are puffed and cooked through.

Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg and steam for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a glossy finish.

Remove from steamer and cool slightly before serving.