Steamed Buns with Date Filling
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INGREDIENTS 1 recipe Steamed Bread Dough, prepared according to directions
THE FILLING
¼ cup lard
1 cup red bean paste
½ pound pitted dates, finely chopped
Red food coloring, optionalThese buns are prepared in the same way as the Steamed Buns with Roast Pork, except for the filling, which is prepared in the following fashion:
Set a 12-inch wok or 10-inch skillet over moderate heat and add the ¼ cup of lard. When the lard is fully melted, add the canned bean paste and chopped dates, and cook, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the entire contents of the pan to a bowl and cool thoroughly.
With the palms of your hands, roll the filling into balls and 1 inch in diameter. Fill the dough rounds and shape them into buns, as in Roast Pork Buns. Roll the finished buns between the palms of your hands to make them smooth balls. Steam for 10 minutes and serve hot.
To distinguish the Date Buns from the pork-filled ones, try following the Chinese custom of dipping the tip of the handle end of a chopstick in red food coloring and stamping them on top of the bun.
Makes about 2 dozen buns