Chinese > Steamed Buns

Taro Bun with Curry Chicken Filling Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup mashed taro root
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrot
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

Special Equipment Needed:
- Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the vegetable oil and mashed taro root and mix until a dough forms.
3. Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
8. Place the circles on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
10. Add the onion, carrot, bell peppers, and celery and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
11. Add the garlic, curry powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
12. Add the chicken, chicken broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce and cook for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
13. Remove from heat and let cool.
14. To assemble the buns, place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each bun.
15. Fold the edges of the bun over the filling and pinch to seal.
16. Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12 buns

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil.
- Mashed taro root can be substituted with mashed potatoes.
- Chicken can be substituted with tofu.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari.
- Hoisin sauce can be substituted with teriyaki sauce.

Variations:
- The filling can be varied by adding different vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.
- The spices can be varied by adding different combinations of spices such as cilantro, oregano, or paprika.
- The buns can be served with a dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce or chili sauce.

Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The buns can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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 the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- The buns can be served on a platter with a dipping sauce.
- The buns can be served with a side of steamed vegetables.

Garnishes:
- The buns can be garnished with chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
- The buns can be garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

Pairings:
- The buns can be served with a side of steamed rice.
- The buns can be served with a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the filling.

Food History:
Taro buns are a traditional Chinese snack that is often served during festivals or special occasions. The filling for the buns can be varied and can include a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices.

Flavor Profiles:
The buns have a savory flavor from the curry powder and other spices, and a sweetness from the hoisin sauce. The taro adds a subtle earthy flavor and a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions:
- The buns can be served as an appetizer or snack.
- The buns can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed rice.

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Region: Hong Kong

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Aromatic