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Mantou

Mantou is a Chinese steamed white bun.

Traditionally, Mantou was a staple product in the Northern Chinese diet as it was one of the main source of carbohydrates for them. It is believed that the bread could've originated from the Qin State during the Zhou Dynasty, which would be around 307 BCE - 250 BCE. Nowadays, Mantou is primarily eaten during breakfast and can be found in many food carts.


Ingredients

  • 250 g all-purpose/plain flour

  • 1 tsp dried active yeast

  • 3/4 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tbsp sugar, or to taste

  • 130 ml lukewarm water

Instructions


Prepare the dough

  1. IF KNEADING BY HAND: Mix flour, yeast, baking powder and sugar. Add water gradually. Mix with chopsticks/spatula until no more loose flour can be seen. Combine and knead briefly into a dough. Leave to rest for 10 minutes (covered). Knead again until very smooth.

  2. IF KNEADING WITH A STAND MIXER: Mix flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar and water in the bowl. Knead on low speed until a very smooth dough forms (about 8 minutes).

Shape the buns

  1. IF MAKING ROUND BUNS: Divide the dough into 6 pieces (4 pieces if you prefer bigger buns). Knead and fold the dough piece towards the centre of the ball resulting in a smooth outer surface. Rotate the ball between your hands to form a slightly raised shape.

  2. IF MAKING FLOWER BUNS: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll one piece into a long, thin rope. Fold both ends in a “J” shape in opposite directions. Turn each end towards the centre of the rope until they meet.

  3. Take a pair of chopsticks placing one either side (in the centre) and squeeze to form a flower shape. Place a Chinese date in the centre of the flower.

Rest the buns

  1. Place the buns in the steamer basket (line with steamer parchment paper or brush a thin layer of oil to avoid sticking). Make sure to leave ample space between each bun.

  2. Leave to rest for around 30 minutes. Well-rested buns should be slightly bigger (not double the size) and very smooth on the surface. When pressed gently, the dough bounces back.

Steam the buns

  1. Place the steaming basket onto a pot/wok filled with cold water. Start cooking with high heat.

  2. Turn down to medium-low once the water is at a full boil. Count 10 mins from this moment (add 2 mins if your buns are bigger). Serve warm.

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