Fall is the season that brings an abundance of pumpkin-inspired dishes to our tables. One recipe that kids and adults alike can enjoy is the Pumpkin Mantou, a fluffy and slightly sweet Chinese steamed bun. These delightful buns are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Pumpkin Mantou that is soft, tender, and bursting with pumpkin flavor. Let’s get steaming!
**Pumpkin Mantou**
**Ingredients:**
– 300g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
**Instructions:**
1. Steam the pumpkin cubes in a steamer for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork.
2. Mash the steamed pumpkin until smooth. Set aside to cool.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
5. Add the mashed pumpkin and the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients.
6. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour or water slightly to get the right consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
7. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
8. Punch down the dough to release excess air.
9. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
10. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out individual mantou buns.
11. Place the cut-out buns on small squares of parchment paper.
12. Arrange the buns on a steamer basket leaving some space between them to expand.
13. Cover the steamer with a lid and let the buns rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
14. Fill a wok or steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil.
15. Place the steamer basket with the buns over the boiling water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the buns.
16. Steam the Pumpkin Mantou for about 10-15 minutes until they puffed up and are cooked through.
17. Remove the steamer from heat and let the buns cool slightly before serving.
These Pumpkin Mantou buns are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the steamer. They have a lovely orange hue from the pumpkin and a soft texture that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Serve them with a cup of hot tea or as a side to your favorite savory dishes. They also make a great addition to your child’s lunchbox or as a tasty snack on the go.
Cooking with pumpkin not only adds a delicious flavor to your recipes but also provides a boost of nutrients and vitamins. Pumpkins are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and are a good source of antioxidants. So, indulge in these Pumpkin Mantou buns guilt-free and savor the taste of fall in every bite.
