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When we think of making dessert it more often than not means baking. However the art of steaming desserts has evolved a diverse array of delectable treats that also offer a unique and refined dessert experience.
In essence, steaming as a cooking method involves the use of vaporised water to gently cook ingredients, resulting in moist and tender textures. From the heartwarming comforts of British puddings to the intricate delights of Asian sweet buns, steamed desserts have transcended geographical boundaries to become a cherished part of international gastronomy.
The beauty of steamed desserts lies not only in their exquisite taste but also in the simplicity of their preparation. Basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of leavening agents undergo a magical transformation when exposed to steam. This method preserves the natural integrity of the ingredients, allowing the true essence of flavours to shine through.
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Here are a few delectable steamed desserts you can try:
1. Bread Pudding
Steamed bread pudding is a delightful and classic British dessert that combines the comforting qualities of bread and the indulgence of a rich, spiced custard. This dessert is crafted by layering slices of bread with a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and various spices. The ensemble is then gently steamed until the bread transforms into a soft and sumptuous consistency, absorbing the delicious flavours of the custard.
Also Read: 7 Wholesome Steamed Cakes You Must Try Today
2. Patholi
To make these turmeric leaf steamed desserts, ground rice is made into a thick batter, thinly spread on a turmeric leaf, and filled with a sweet coconut mixture. Folding the leaves together, the dumplings steam for 12-15 minutes for thin, flat rice cakes enveloped in a slender, fragrant turmeric leaf. After steaming, the leaves are peeled off, and the patholis are enjoyed hot, generously topped with ghee.
3. Mushi Pan
Japanese steamed cakes, known as Mushi Pan, consist of basic ingredients like flour (all-purpose or cake flour), baking powder, eggs, milk, sugar, and neutral-flavoured oil (like vegetable oil). Due to the high cost of sugar after WWII, these cakes incorporated small pieces of Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsumaimo) for sweetness.
4. Plum Pudding
A festive Christmas dessert made with brandy soaked fruits, it requires meticulous preparation in advance to enhance its flavours although the final preparation is relatively simple. This homemade pudding utilises steam cooking, allowing it to slowly cook with the heat from boiling water making it dense, moist and full of flavour..
5. 8 Treasure Pudding
Comprising glutinous rice, dried fruits, nuts, and red bean paste, Chinese 8 Treasure Pudding offers a sticky, gooey, sweet, aromatic, and nutty experience. Jujube, golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried pear, peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and red bean paste (the filling) form the "eight treasures."
6. Bhapa Doi
In Bengali, Bhapa means steamed, and Doi means yoghourt. Directly translated, Bhapa Doi means steamed yoghourt, a satisfying and delightful dessert. This tasty Bengali treat is crafted with only three main ingredients: yoghurt, sweetener, and cardamom for flavour.
