German-style Steamed Buns

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for greasing Vegetable oil, for greasing
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling 1 tbsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• Fresh berries and powdered sugar, for serving (optional) Fresh berries and powdered sugar, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 12g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
7. 7.
   Grease a large, deep skillet with vegetable oil and arrange the dough balls in it, leaving some space between them.
8. 8.
   Pour the warm water into the skillet, cover with a lid, and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the buns with sugar and place the skillet over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
10. 10.
    Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
11. 11.
    Remove the buns from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving.
12. 12.
    Optional: Serve the German-style steamed buns with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the dough.
• Milk — Warm the milk to around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
• Butter — Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough to avoid killing the yeast.
• Vanilla extract — Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a golden-brown crust, make sure to sprinkle the buns with sugar before cooking.
• Serve the German-style steamed buns warm for the best texture and flavor.
• These buns can be enjoyed on their own or served with savory dishes like stews or soups.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add raisins or currants to the dough before shaping the buns.
• Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the German-style steamed buns as a side dish with hearty German meals, such as sauerbraten or schnitzel. They can also be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet dessert when served with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Presentation advice

Arrange the German-style steamed buns on a platter, allowing their golden-brown crusts to be visible. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the buns and garnish with fresh berries for an appealing presentation.