Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup lotus seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup dried mushrooms, soaked and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Small bowl
- Frying pan
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and lotus seeds. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Slowly add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the pork, mushrooms, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
6. Place 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
7. Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8 buns
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 11g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the lotus seeds, you can use sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
- For the pork, you can use ground beef or turkey.
- For the mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms or canned mushrooms.
Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pork and add more vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- For a vegan version, you can omit the pork and use vegan ground beef or vegan ground turkey.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to roll the dough out to an even thickness so that the buns bake evenly.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage Instructions:
The buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The buns can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
The buns can be served on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
Garnishes:
The buns can be garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts.
Pairings:
The buns can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, fried rice, or noodles.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Noodles
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the buns are not baking evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
Food Safety Advice:
Be sure to cook the pork thoroughly before adding it to the buns.
Food History:
Lotus seed buns are a traditional Chinese snack that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
The buns are savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of nuttiness from the lotus seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
The buns can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can also be served as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables.
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Region: Chinese