Day 7 Egg Free Recipe ( Pumpkin Mantou)

Pumpkin Mantou: A Delicious and Nutritious Snack for Your Baby

As your baby grows and starts to explore new foods, it can be challenging to find healthy and tasty snacks that they will enjoy. One option that you might consider is pumpkin mantou, a traditional Chinese steamed bun made with pumpkin puree. Not only is pumpkin mantou delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your baby’s growth and development.

What is pumpkin mantou?

Mantou is a type of Chinese steamed bun that is made with wheat flour, yeast, and water. Pumpkin mantou is a variation of this recipe that includes pumpkin puree, which gives the buns a bright orange color and a slightly sweet flavor. Pumpkin mantou is often served as a breakfast or snack food in China and other parts of Asia.

Why is pumpkin mantou good for babies?

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your baby’s health. It is rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, pumpkin mantou is a great finger food for babies who are learning to self-feed. The soft, chewy texture of the buns is easy for little ones to handle and can help develop their fine motor skills.

How to make pumpkin mantou for your baby

Here’s a simple recipe for pumpkin mantou that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 100g pumpkin puree
• 20g warm water, about 30 degree
• 2g yeast
• No salt for baby food, substitute by 3g Baby Superfood Scallop Powder, Baby Angel’s Homemade
• 2g baby superfood Chinese Yam Powder, Baby Angel’s Homemade (boosting nutrients)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast water, and baby superfood powder.
3. Add the pumpkin puree to the bowl and stir until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Roll the dough into a long cylinder and shape it as desired.
6. Place the shaped dough on a greased steaming tray. (for this recipe, we are using Korea Didinika Baby Food Cooking Utensil)
7. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30-40 minutes until it rises.
8. Steam the pumpkin mantou for 15 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy. (Note: do not open the cover during the steaming process, as it may ruin the shape.)
9. Let the pumpkin mantou cool in the steamer for another 3 minutes before opening the cover.
10. Set aside to cool and serve.

Yes, here are some common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin mantou:

1. Not using warm water for the yeast: If the water used to activate the yeast is too hot or too cold, it may not activate properly and the dough may not rise.
2. Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough for too long can make it tough and chewy. It’s important to knead the dough just enough to make it smooth and elastic.
3. Adding too much flour: Adding too much flour to the dough can make it dry and difficult to work with. It’s important to measure the ingredients carefully and add flour gradually as needed.
4. Not letting the dough rest: Letting the dough rest for 30-40 minutes before steaming allows it to rise and become fluffy. Skipping this step can result in dense and heavy mantou.
5. Opening the steamer cover too early: Opening the steamer cover before the mantou are fully cooked can cause them to collapse and lose their shape. It’s important to resist the temptation to peek and let the mantou steam undisturbed.

Storage :

• Allow the pumpkin mantou to cool completely to room temperature.
• Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, you can steam them for a few minutes until they are heated through, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds on high.
• For longer-term storage, you can freeze the pumpkin mantou. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, steam them from frozen for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin mantou is a delicious and nutritious snack that your baby is sure to love. With its soft texture and sweet flavor, it’s a great finger food for little ones who are learning to self-feed. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your baby’s growth and development. Give this recipe a try and see how your baby likes it!