Traditional Chinese Steamed Cake (Fa Gao)
This is a recipe I came up with after searching through many different versions. It’s light and fluffy, yet still traditional, representing prosperity during the New Year.
INGRIDIENT
DIRECTION
Step: 1
Sprinkle the yeast over 1/2 cup of warm water in a small bowl. The water should be no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
Step: 2
Beat egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk together in a large bowl, until smooth. Sift cake flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl, then stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the yeast mixture until smooth. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C) until doubled in volume, 1 to 2 hours. Pour mixture into a 9 inch round pan lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with raisins.
Step: 3
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the cake, recover, and steam until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
NUTRITION FACT
Per Serving: 264 calories; protein 4.7g; carbohydrates 41.3g; fat 9g; cholesterol 44.8mg; sodium 217.6mg.
The quality of the flour can make a real deal to your bread. Different brands do vary. Great taste or Canadian flours, which are bet higher in gluten, may give you a better rise than standard bread flours – especially if you’re make wholemeal dough , which doesn’t always rise as well as clear bread.
To made this in a dough , add all the ingredients to your breadmaker and follow the makers instructions.
A dough’s first rising can be done in the fridge 24 hours . This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It’s also a great limit , as you can work it yesterday , then clear it off the next day.
