Steamed Chicken and Vegetable Buns

Steamed Buns with Chicken and Vegetables
Category: Yeast-Based Breads
Serves: 10

Begin by preparing the dough for the steamed buns. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fresh yeast, and sugar.
Gradually add the water, stirring as you go, to create a smooth dough. Then, add the salt and vegetable oil, mixing until fully incorporated. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous and smooth. This will take a few minutes.
Once the dough is well-kneaded, transfer it to a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

While the dough is rising, prepare the vegetable filling. Begin by washing and dicing the eggplant into small cubes.
Trim the green beans, slicing them thinly into strips. Peel and dice the carrots. Next, cut the tomatoes into thin slices, and then chop them into small cubes.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onion (scallion) and green beans, and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the remaining vegetables – eggplant, carrots, and tomatoes – to the pan, and continue to sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Meanwhile, dice the chicken breast into 1-2 cm cubes. Add the chicken to the pan with the vegetables, and stir well to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Pour in the soy sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once the filling is ready, remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a long log. Cut the dough into 10 equal portions, each weighing about 50g.
For each portion, gently lift the outer edges of the dough and fold them towards the center, enclosing the filling. Pinch the dough together at the seams to seal it.
Flip the bun over, rolling it gently in your hands to shape a smooth ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions.
Place the shaped buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each bun for expansion. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Carefully place the buns into the steamer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Steam the buns over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.

Once the steamed buns are ready, remove them from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These buns can be enjoyed as a delicious snack or served as part of a meal. The tender, fluffy texture of the steamed buns combined with the savory chicken and vegetable filling makes for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Enjoy your homemade steamed buns filled with chicken and vegetables, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner!