Banh Bao

Banh Bao is a delightful Vietnamese steamed bun filled with a savory mixture of kosher ingredients, capturing the essence of Vietnamese cuisine while adhering to dietary laws. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 250 grams
• Active dry yeast - 5 grams
• Sugar - 10 grams
• Warm water - 150 milliliters
• Salt - 5 grams
• Vegetable oil - 15 milliliters
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 100 grams, diced
• Carrot - 50 grams, grated
• Tofu (firm) - 100 grams, crumbled
• Soy sauce (kosher) - 15 milliliters
• Green onions - 2, finely chopped
• Black pepper - 2 grams

Steps

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the mushrooms, carrots, and crumbled tofu for about 5-7 minutes. Add soy sauce, green onions, and black pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
6. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to form a bun. Pinch tightly to seal.
7. Place the buns on parchment paper squares to prevent sticking and let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. Prepare a steamer and bring water to a boil. Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu.
• Contains fiber from vegetables, promoting digestive health.

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