Vegetarian Bao

Vegetarian Bao are soft, pillowy buns filled with a savory mix of marinated mushrooms and vegetables, offering a delightful blend of flavors. These delightful treats are perfect for a casual meal or as a unique appetizer for gatherings.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 250 grams
• Active dry yeast - 5 grams
• Sugar - 10 grams
• Warm water - 150 ml
• Vegetable oil - 15 ml
• Soy sauce - 30 ml
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 150 grams, diced
• Carrot - 50 grams, grated
• Cabbage (green or napa) - 100 grams, shredded
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 5 grams, minced
• Sesame oil - 5 ml
• Salt - 2 grams
• Black pepper - 1 gram
• Green onions - 2, chopped for garnish

Steps

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the diced mushrooms, grated carrot, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a disk about 10 cm in diameter.
8. Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each disk. Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, forming a bun.
9. Place the buns on parchment paper squares in a steamer basket. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Steam the buns over boiling water for about 15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
11. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 61 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from vegetables, supporting digestive health.
• Low in cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.

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