Steamed Pau - 莲蓉包

It's been a while since I pick up this packet of lotus paste. I used to think that we use the same type of lotus paste for mooncake and for the pao but obviously I was wrong. So when I saw this packet that was meant for pao filling, I grabbed a pack... and it sat in my fridge until now I need to clear the fridge before we leave SG.

My sister and brother are taking their family over for a swim last evening, so the grand plan is to have the piping hot steam bun ready when they are back from the swim. Imagine holding the scorching hot bun when the body is shivering... Agh, good plan.

Only that I didn't get the timing right. The pao was over an hour late... and the first tray only ready when they are having dinner. Haha, just in time for dessert!

Luckily my family is always supportive and finish up praise eveything that I make. I only keep 2 for my phototaking today (will be uploaded soon).

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Basic Yeast Dough
Recipe Source: cookingmomster

Ingredients:
500gm pau flour, sifted ( I use Blue Key Brand Pau flour )
6gm instant yeast (I used 11g)
100gm sugar
50gm shortening (I used crisco)
250gm water

Method :
1. Mix instant yeast in the water. Sprinke some flour (from 500g) over it. Wait till it is frothy (about 15min). The orginal method provided was to dissove the yeast with sugar and water. But I am a little skeptical so I followed the my same old method. Her method may also work, so it could be just a personal choice.

2. Mixed all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour the yeast liquid. Mix well with a spatula (or your hand). Slowly work the shortening into the dough. knead until it is smooth and elastic. I used a little more than 250g of water but it all depend on the type of flour and few other factors. So "feel" as you work the dough.

3. Leave the dough to proof until it doubles in size. Cooking Monster divide into small piece then proof. Again, I think it is a personal choice.

4. Deflate the dough and divide them into 40gm piece (you can get about 18 portions). Flatten it into a small round disc. Place some lotus paste onto the centre and pleat the top. Place each dough on a piece of baking paper. Set aside and let it prove again until double its size. Estimated about 10 minutes.

5. Steam pau with high heat (with rapidly boiling water) for about 15 minutes or until the pau is cooked. Serve hot.

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Notes:

• I added a few drops of Lemon Emulco (from Phoon Huat) to make it the bun pale yellow. This also gives a light citrus flavour.
• The lotus paste for pao is softer and "wetter" than those for the mooncake. It is not as sweet as the mooncake lotus paste.