Chinese Flatbread

PREP TIME

10 MINS

COOK TIME

2 HOURS 30 MINS

TOTAL TIME

2 HOURS 40 MINS

Author: Maggie Zhu

Ingredients for the bun

• 200 grams all purpose flour plus extra to dust hands
• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
• 2 cups cilantro, chopped
• 2 jalapeno pepper (or bell pepper), chopped

How to make bread:

1. Put the flour into a large bowl, add dry yeast, and mix well with a fork. Add 120 milliliters (half a cup) cold water, mix with a fork or a pair of chopsticks, stirring in a clockwise direction, until water is fully incorporated with flour. Dust both hands with flour and start by using one hand to knead until dough begins to form. The dough should be soft, but shouldn’t stick to the bottom of the bowl. Blend in more flour if the dough sticks to the hands, 1 teaspoon at a time. Dust a cutting board or working surface with flour and transfer the dough onto the cutting board. Continue kneading the dough for a few minutes, until the surface becomes smooth. Cover with plastic wrap or a large bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Dust both hands again and knead the dough a few times. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, and shape each one into a ball by hand. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap or a large bowl, and let them rest for 10 minutes.
3. Dust both hands and the cutting board. Place one dough ball on the cutting board, then press it with the palm into a round shape. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) thick, keeping it round, then set aside. Shape the rest of the dough balls the same way.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat. When skillet is hot, place a round piece of dough into skillet (cook one or two doughs at a time, depending on the size of the skillet). Use a spatula to turn the dough every 30 seconds, until both sides turn golden brown. Transfer finished buns to a plate or cooling rack.