| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 2g | 1g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 5g | 9g | 0.6g |
If you’ve been scrolling through your socials, you may have noticed the current craze for authentic Asian recipes. Well, today I’m sharing my affection for a beautiful fusion dish, one that marries the zing of fruits and vegetables, and the indulgence of warm, fluffy buns – Himbabaos with Red Bean Paste. Truly, this recipe is a product of my unmistakable love for introducing familiar flavors to different culinary traditions.
Global Flavors Galore
My culinary explorations have always been a dance between the rich tastes of my Nigerian heritage and my upbringing in the heart of Southern United States. This Himbabaos with Red Bean Paste recipe stands as a testament to that. Paying homage to the juicy, tender steamed buns that are a staple of Chinese cuisine, this dish injects the vibrant, full-bodied taste of fruit-infused red bean paste, reminiscent of classic Southern fruit pies. Not quite a pie, and not quite a traditional steamed bun – it’s an exciting culinary adventure that gleefully stretches past geographical boundaries.
Health Benefits
Upon first glance, you might think that this dish is a simple delight for the taste buds. However, it packs a punch in terms of nutritional value too. The red bean paste, a standard ingredient in Asian meals, is high in fiber and protein, promoting a healthy digestive tract and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Fruits like strawberries and blueberries, while adding a delightful pop of color and flavor, are also a great source of antioxidants, proving that this dish is not just about indulgence but also about feeding your body real, nutritious food.
This recipe is somewhat similar to Japanese Dorayaki pancakes or West African puff puff with a fruity twist. It would wonderfully complement savory Asian dishes like Kung Pao Tofu, or can even be paired with a refreshing Hibiscus Cooler, yet another nod to my African roots.
So find your apron, roll up those sleeves and embrace this beautiful culinary sojourn because each bite will have you wanting more. And remember, this isn’t just about following a recipe, it’s about understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of global cuisine.
Enjoy this moment, Discover more about the history of Bao here, and delve further into the health benefits of red beans here.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of red bean paste
- 6 pieces of Himbabaos (Chinese steamed buns)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of finely chopped strawberries
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the fruits. Peel and chop the bananas and kiwi into small pieces. Also, finely chop the strawberries and keep these fruits aside.
Step Two
Pour the red bean paste into a bowl. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the bean paste and mix well until the sugar dissolves fully in the paste.
Step Three
Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add all the chopped fruits and the blueberries into the red bean paste mixture. Stir it well so that fruits are evenly coated with the paste.
Step Four
Take each Himbabaos (Chinese steamed bun) and cut it halfway in the middle. Be cautious not to cut it all the way through, it should resemble a pocket.
Step Five
Spoon the fruit and red bean paste mixture into the pocket of each Himbabaos. Ensure that all Himbabaos are filled evenly.
Step Six
Finally, serve your fruity Himbabaos with Red Bean Paste right away. Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet snack.
