PANDAN VEGETABLE PAUS

A very fragrant pandan steamed pau with vegetable filling [vegetarian stir fry turnip - see recipe here].  I didn't purposely cook this vegetable to make these paus.  Usually this vegetable is cooked in quite a big quantity especially during festive times.  I set aside a portion to use as filling for this pau.  

  

These paus are soft and fluffy.  Tasted savoury sweet.  

Ingredients

[makes 24 paus]

500 gm pau flour - sifted
100 gm caster sugar 
240 ml pandan juice/water [*] 

1/2 tbsp instant yeast
1.5 tbsp shortening [original uses 3 tbsp]

[*] 6 blades pandan leaves [screwpine leaves] - blended with 240 ml water - strained to obtained 240 ml pandan juice/water then add a drop of green colouring [optional]

1 tbsp double action baking powder

Filling - Vegetarian Stir Fry Turnip [recipe here]

Using a Dough Mixer or Hand Knead

1. Combine all the ingredients [except shortening] in a mixing bowl.  Knead until soft [about 5-10 minutes].  Then add in the shortening, continue to knead until soft, smooth and elastic.  [Note: double action baking powder can be added after kneading dough until soft and smooth - this I believe is to prevent yellowish looking paus]
   
2. Shape into a ball and cover to rest for about 15-20 minutes or until double in size.
3. Punch down dough and remove dough to a floured surface, divide into 2 round balls.   Then divide each ball into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then roll into flat circle.
   
4. Wrap filling with each flatten dough.  Gather the edges and shape into pleated paus or round balls.  Place on parchment or greased proof  paper in the steaming tray.
   
5. Leave to prove for 15 - 20 minutes or until double in size.
   
6. Steam over high heat for 10-12 minutes in a steamer.  Off heat and leave paus for a further 3 minutes before uncovering to cool on rack. This is to prevent wrinkle, rough skin [sometimes  they may be a little wrinkle - probably because of proofing time but the texture is unaffected].
   
   

I'm sharing this post with Aspiring Bakers#31 - Bao Ho-Chiak -  May 2013 event hosted by Miss B of everybodyeatswell in Flanders.