Spicy Shengjian Mantou Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorn powder.
2. Add the 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and mix until the ingredients are combined.
3. Slowly add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
7. Flatten each ball into a disc shape with a rolling pin.
8. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
9. Place the discs into the pan and fry for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
10. Serve hot.

Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 12 mantou

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil.
- Chili powder can be substituted with cayenne pepper.
- Sichuan peppercorn powder can be substituted with black pepper.

Variations:
- The mantou can be filled with minced pork or beef before frying.
- The mantou can be served with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or chili sauce.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to ensure a smooth and elastic texture.
- The discs should be flattened to a thickness of about 1/4 inch for best results.

Storage Instructions:
The mantou can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The mantou can be reheated in a frying pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Presentation Ideas:
The mantou can be served on a plate with a dipping sauce or with a side of vegetables.

Garnishes:
The mantou can be garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Pairings:
The mantou can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a soup.

Suggested Side Dishes:
The mantou can be served with steamed vegetables, a soup, or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the dough.
- Make sure to cook the mantou until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Food History:
Shengjian mantou is a type of Chinese dumpling that is traditionally served as a breakfast or snack food. It originated in the Jiangsu province of China and is now popular throughout the country.

Flavor Profiles:
The mantou has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a spicy kick from the chili powder and Sichuan peppercorn powder.

Serving Suggestions:
The mantou can be served as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce or as a side dish with a main course.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Umami, Fried, Crunchy