In a quaint little town, where the scent of flowers danced through the air, I stumbled upon a vibrant farmer’s market bursting with colors and flavors. It was there I met an elderly woman who introduced me to the concept of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Inspired by her stories, I decided to create a recipe that captures the essence of that magical day. These whimsical garden steamed buns are filled with a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini)
– ½ cup finely chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Begin by making the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed. Gradually add in the warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Sauté the finely chopped mixed vegetables and green onions for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and knead it for another minute. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small circle, about 4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each circle. Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside, forming a bun.
Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Place the buns in the steamer, leaving enough space between them for expansion. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 20 minutes.
Bring water to a boil in a pot, then carefully place the steamer over the pot. Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly.
Serve these whimsical garden steamed buns warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. Each bite will transport you back to that enchanting farmer’s market filled with laughter, stories, and the beauty of nature. Enjoy!