Jiangsu-style Danubio Napoletano

Ingredients

In this Jiangsu-style adaptation of Danubio Napoletano, the traditional Italian ingredients like ham and cheese are replaced with minced pork, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms. The spices used are also different, incorporating Jiangsu flavors such as star anise and ginger. The bread is shaped into a lotus blossom, adding a touch of elegance and representing the influence of Jiangsu cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Danubio napoletano, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 240ml (1 cup) warm milk 240ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 250g (9 oz) minced pork 250g (9 oz) minced pork
• 100g (3.5 oz) bamboo shoots, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) bamboo shoots, finely chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 star anise, ground 2 star anise, ground
• 1/2 tsp five-spice powder 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté the minced pork until cooked through.
6. 6.
   Add the bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, star anise, and five-spice powder to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. 7.
   Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
8. 8.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
9. 9.
   Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and gather the edges of the dough to seal it, forming a ball.
10. 10.
    Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
11. 11.
    Arrange the filled dough balls in a greased round baking dish, forming a lotus blossom shape.
12. 12.
    Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
13. 13.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. 14.
    Brush the risen dough with beaten egg wash.
15. 15.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
16. 16.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced pork — Make sure to cook the minced pork thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Star anise — Grind the star anise into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder for better flavor distribution.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add an additional tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients like water chestnuts or Chinese sausage for extra flavor.
• Serve the Jiangsu-style Danubio Napoletano warm for the best taste and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• This bread is perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a centerpiece for special occasions.

Serving advice

Serve the Jiangsu-style Danubio Napoletano as a centerpiece on a platter, allowing guests to tear off individual portions. It pairs well with a hot cup of jasmine tea or a refreshing glass of chrysanthemum tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking. The golden brown crust and lotus blossom shape will impress your guests.