Haipai Anpan

Ingredients

In the original Japanese Anpan, the filling consists solely of sweet red bean paste. However, in Haipai Anpan, the filling is enhanced with Haipai cuisine flavors by incorporating spices like star anise and cinnamon. This addition adds a savory element to the traditionally sweet filling, creating a unique fusion of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Anpan, so you can check it out.

• For the bread: For the bread:
• 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 5g (1 tsp) instant yeast 5g (1 tsp) instant yeast
• 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
• 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g (1 cup) sweet red bean paste 200g (1 cup) sweet red bean paste
• 1 star anise, crushed 1 star anise, crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1 egg yolk, beaten 1 egg yolk, beaten
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling Sesame seeds for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the warm milk and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the sweet red bean paste, crushed star anise, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape each portion into a ball.
7. 7.
   Flatten each dough ball with your palm and place a spoonful of the cooled red bean paste filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling.
8. 8.
   Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Brush the risen dough balls with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the Haipai Anpan turns golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red bean paste — If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the red bean paste before using it in the filling.
• Star anise and cinnamon — Make sure to crush the star anise and use a whole cinnamon stick to infuse the filling with their flavors. Remove them before filling the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced savory flavor, you can increase the amount of star anise and cinnamon in the filling.
• Serve Haipai Anpan warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a little bit of sugar to the filling.

Serving advice

Haipai Anpan is best enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Serve it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to complement its flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Haipai Anpan on a serving platter, showcasing their golden-brown exteriors. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance.