East Indian Spiced Vegetable Steamed Buns

Ingredients

In this East Indian adaptation of the Chinese Gǒubùlǐ bāozi, we incorporate East Indian spices and flavors to transform the traditional Chinese dish into a fusion delight. The original Chinese baozi typically features a meat filling, while our East Indian version replaces it with a flavorful vegetable mixture infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This adaptation adds a unique twist to the dish, making it suitable for vegetarian and East Indian cuisine enthusiasts. We alse have the original recipe for Gǒubùlǐ bāozi, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.), finely chopped 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.), finely chopped
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• For steaming: For steaming:
• Water, as needed Water, as needed

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic mixture.
4. 4.
   Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
6. 6.
   Take each dough ball and flatten it into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the cooled vegetable filling in the center of the disc.
7. 7.
   Gather the edges of the disc and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Repeat this process for the remaining dough balls and filling.
8. 8.
   Place the filled buns on a steamer tray lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each bun to allow them to expand during steaming.
9. 9.
   Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the steamer tray with the buns inside the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the buns for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and the dough is fluffy.
10. 10.
    Remove the steamed buns from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Serve the East Indian Spiced Vegetable Steamed Buns warm and enjoy their aromatic flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vegetable filling — Ensure the vegetables are finely chopped to ensure even cooking and easy filling of the buns.
• All-purpose flour — Use fresh flour for the best results. If the dough feels dry, add a little more warm water while kneading.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of red chili powder or finely chopped green chilies.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve the East Indian Spiced Vegetable Steamed Buns with a side of tangy tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover buns can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer or microwave.
• For a more vibrant presentation, garnish the steamed buns with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the East Indian Spiced Vegetable Steamed Buns as a delicious and filling snack or as a part of a meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with chutneys or sauces of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed buns on a serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.