Bakery > Asian > Chinese > Chinese Buns

Lotus Seed Buns with Coconut Filling Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup lotus seeds
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.

3. Add the lotus seeds and mix on low speed until combined.

4. Slowly add the warm water and vegetable oil and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.

6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

7. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 4-inch circle.

8. In a small bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, coconut oil, and cardamom. Mix until combined.

9. Place 1 tablespoon of the coconut filling in the center of each circle.

10. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal.

11. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet and brush with a little vegetable oil.

12. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

13. Serve warm.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12 buns

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour
- Lotus seeds: Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or chia seeds
- Coconut oil: Vegetable oil or butter
- Cardamom: Cinnamon or nutmeg

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins or chopped dried fruit to the filling for a sweeter bun.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the filling for a crunchier bun.
- Substitute the lotus seeds with 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for a nutty flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- For best results, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it is the right consistency.
- For a sweeter bun, add a little more sugar to the filling.

Storage Instructions:
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the buns in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the buns on a platter with a bowl of coconut flakes and a bowl of lotus seeds for garnish.

Garnishes:
Coconut flakes, lotus seeds

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of chai tea or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the buns are too dry, add a little more oil to the dough.
- If the buns are too wet, add a little more flour to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Food History:
Lotus seed buns are a traditional Chinese pastry that have been enjoyed for centuries.

Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and fragrant.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the buns as a snack or as a dessert.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Coconutty, Buttery