Chinese ManTou steamed buns

Ingredients for 1 servings:

• 1 tbsp yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup water, lukewarm
• 4 cups flour

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Rest time approx. 2 hours; Total time approx. 2 hours 20 minutes

Recipe from China, makes about 30 rolls

In a small bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with 4 tablespoons of warm water and let it rest for 15 minutes. Sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture and pour on the remaining water. Knead everything well until you have a smooth dough. Place the dough in a bowl and, covered with a kitchen towel, let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size. Knead the dough ball, poke holes in the bottom a few times with a knitting needle. Cover again with the kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for another 20 minutes. Knead the dough again, then shape it into a log. Divide this into about 30 small balls. Cover again with the kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for another 45 minutes. To prepare in an electric steamer: Fill the steamer with water according to the instructions and bring to a boil. Place the dough balls in the steamer insert, leaving 2 cm between each piece. Steam for approximately 10 minutes until the ManTou are cooked. Preparation in a bamboo steamer: Line the bamboo steamer with cheesecloth and steam the ManTou over steam for approximately 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the ManTou steep for another 10 minutes. Serve the ManTou immediately while hot.