BaoZi (Chinese Steamed Buns)

Karen Haigh
Originally From: Bread in Half the Time by Linda Eckhardt and Diana Butts
A common Chinese lunch or breakfast snack
1 dozen buns

3 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons yeast
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
1 large egg

Filling: Red Bean, Pork or Chicken
optional: sesame seeds
Mix all bread ingredients. Let rise about an hour, punch down, and let rise again until doubled in bulk. Knead. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll into 4 inch round. Place the dough in the palm of your hand and fill with 1 tablespoon filling. Gather up the sides around the filling and twist the dough to seal. Place, twisted side down, on a piece of aluminum foil or wax paper. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place about 15 minutes. Place the buns on the foil on a steamer rack over boiling water. Leave at least 1 inch free space between the buns. Cover and steam 15-18 minutes, until done. Sprinkle each bun with sesame seeds if desired.

From the Dinner Co-op