Chinese Steamed Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast and sugar over a mixture of 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup flour and leave for around 15-30 minutes.
2. 2
   Stir in the remaining water/ milk, flour, salt, sugar, pepper (if using) and oil.
3. 3
   Mix everything to a dough.
4. 4
   Turn it on to a floured work surface and knead it until it is smooth.
5. 5
   Return it to the bowl, cover it and leave it in a warm place for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until it has tripled in size.
6. 6
   Punch down the dough with the back of your fist to flatten on a floured board.
7. 7
   Sprinkle the baking powder over and knead for a few minutes.
8. 8
   Shape the dough into 24 rolls.
9. 9
   Keep each ball on a wax paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10
    You can place these balls on individual pieces of wax paper so you can use these to place in the steamer too for easier handling.
11. 11
    Bring water in the bottom of a steamer to a boil first.
12. 12
    Then place the rolls in the steamer, leaving a 1-inch gap between them.
13. 13
    Cook in batches if need be.
14. 14
    Cook them for 10-15 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
15. 15
    Do not turn the heat off before you lift the lid of the steamer as this causes blistering on the surface of the rolls.
16. 16
    Serve them hot.