| Prep: 2 hours 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 432 | 11g | 8g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 3g | 6g | 0.37g |
My first encounter with the Himbabaos Buns with Sweetened Coconut Filling was on a vibrant, eclectic street of my beloved New York City, and it was love at first bite. The marriage of diverse ingredients, the interplay of textures and flavors; it was phenomenal, to say the least. After savoring these buns in the city that never sleeps, I was on a mission. A mission to replicate this delightful vegetable-based recipe at home and share it with the world.
The Allure of the Himbabaos Buns
The allure of these Himbabaos Buns, apart from their delicious taste, lies in the health benefits associated with the included ingredients. Using organic all-purpose flour and cornstarch, you’ll be pleasing your tastebuds and your body simultaneously. Also, did you know that coconut is an excellent source of fiber and contains powerful antioxidants? Moreover, it also has neutroprotective properties which contribute to brain health. A taste of the tropics while nourishing your body; in my book, that’s a real win-win.
How Himbabaos Buns Connect Me to NYC
Even though I’ve been a stage actor for years, my first and perpetual love will always be cooking. For me, the stage and the kitchen hold the same magic, immersing myself into different narratives, cultures, and experiences. The Himbabaos Buns bring me back to that bustling food market in Chinatown, rich scents wafting through the streets, and excited chatter filling the air. Just like the diversity of NYC, this recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures, a testament to this city’s vibrant, multi-culture culinary scene!
Pairing Suggestions and Conclusion
I’d recommend pairing these sweet delights with earthy Chinese Black Tea, a perfect partner to balance the sweetness of the coconut, but they are equally enjoyable on their own as a snack or dessert. Similar to the Chinese sweet bun, Cha siu bao (BBQ Pork Bun), the Himbabaos Buns are a delicious exploration of the delicacies our tropical friends offer, creating a smile with every bite. So, whether it’s for a snack, a tea party, or even as a dessert to a hearty meal, these Himbabaos Buns will not disappoint!
Here’s the link to a comprehensive guide to Chinese teas that would complement these heavenly buns! Bon Appètit!
What You’ll Need
- 2.5 cups of All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup of Cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of Instant yeast
- 0.6 cup of Water
- 1/3 cup of Sugar
- 1/4 cup of Vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
- 1 cup of Desiccated coconut
- 1 cup of Sugar for the coconut filling
- 1/2 cup of Water for the coconut filling
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt for the coconut filling
- 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
- Additional Vegetable oil for brushing
Method
Step One
First, prepare the dough. Combine 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 0.6 cup of water, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Use your hands or a stand mixer to mix until a soft smooth dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes if using your hands and 5 minutes if using a mixer. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and leave it to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step Two
While the dough is rising, prepare the sweetened coconut filling. Mix 1 cup of desiccated coconut, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sugar melts and the mixture becomes sticky. Let the mixture cool down before using.
Step Three
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces. Flatten each piece of dough with your hands or a small rolling pin, then place a spoonful of the coconut mixture in the center of the dough. Bring the edges up and pinch them together to seal the buns. Make sure they are well sealed to prevent the filling from seeping out while baking.
Step Four
Arrange the buns seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun for them to expand. Brush the tops of the buns with some additional vegetable oil to give them a nice glossy finish. Let the buns rest for about 15 minutes to rise a little more.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool down before serving. Enjoy your homemade Himbabaos buns with sweetened coconut filling!
