Savory Vegan Chickpea Steamed Buns (Baozi) Recipe

You probably know how Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking where they are often used in curries and stews. These legumes have a nutty flavor and creamy texture that makes them perfect for creating hearty and flavorful dishes. But have you thought of pairing them with steamed buns? 🤩

In this savory vegan chickpea steamed buns recipe, we'll be adding chickpea flour, a healthy protein-rich flour that is made from finely ground dried chickpeas, to our standard steamed buns recipe. In addition to being a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, these chickpea steamed buns are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal or snack!

Why I love this Recipe

• Soft and fluffy
• Easy to make if you have a stand mixer
• No eggs, no milk, no dairy needed!
• higher in fiber, to keep you fuller longer, thanks to the added chickpea flour
• lower calorie and lower carb
• makes the best breakfast and snack

Ingredients Used to Make Chickpea Steamed Buns

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• Bread Flour - I used bread flour for this recipe (I use King Arthur Bread Flour most), which I prefer and highly recommend for the best texture and structure. Please read the note on the substitution section below if using other flours.

• Chickpea flour - chickpea flour is a gluten-free, protein-rich flour that is made from finely ground dried chickpeas. It is a staple ingredient in many traditional cuisines around the world, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean, and can be used as a healthier alternative to wheat flour in many recipes. Chickpea flour is also a good source of dietary fiber, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

• Instant Yeast - you can find instant yeast in the baking section near the flours. My favorite is SAF Instant Premium Yeast, which works quickly and consistently produces great results. I recommend using instant yeast over active yeast for this recipe since active yeast (unlike instant yeast) needs to be activated in water, which we don't add until the very end.

• Sugar - I used raw cane sugar, but you can use regular granulated white sugar, or healthier alternatives like coconut, date, or maple sugars which are less processed and more natural. I also sometimes like to use honey powder.
  • For yeasted breads, I would not recommend using sugar-free substitutes such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia powder since they can cause the bread to not rise properly. If you prefer a lower sugar recipe, you're welcome to leave out the sugar. The bread might taste slightly plain, but it will not significantly impact the shape or texture of the bread.

• Salt - Pink Himalayan salt is what I have at home, so it’s what I use, but you can use any kind for this recipe.

• Baking Powder - helps to puff up the dough during the steaming process.

• Olive Oil - I like using light olive oil since it has a neutral flavor, but you can also any cooking oil of your choice like coconut oil, or avocado oil instead

For the Filling

• Chickpea Curry- Chickpeas are often used in curries and stews. These legumes have a nutty flavor and creamy texture that makes them perfect for creating hearty and flavorful dishes. For this recipe you can either use a storebought chickpea curry (like this one) or make your own. To make (for 3-4 buns): mix 1 can chickpeas, drained, and 1 ½ Tbsp Korean curry powder (or Japanese curry roux paste), and chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and tender. Add 2-3 Tbsp of water, or as needed, to keep the onions from burning.

Equipment

• I used a KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. You're also welcome to use a bread machine, or knead the dough by hand.

Step by Step Guide

Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:

• Add color to the buns - turmeric powder, paprika powder, etc
• Other than coloring you can also add different flavorings to the dough before cooking. For example, you can add either a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder.

Different Filling Options

If you want to enjoy these steamed buns with a variety of fillings, there are many fun and delicious filling options to choose from. Here are some ideas!

• STIR FRIED VEGGIES - Sometimes, simple tastes best, and this easy pairing of stir-fried cabbage and onions, is both fuss-free and vegan-friendly.

• BAKED TOFU - Sweet, sticky and umami, this sweet soy sauce baked tofu is a high-protein filling idea that can make each steamed bun fill you up like a whole meal. This filling goes really well with my 100% whole wheat steamed buns dough – check it out, here!

How to Store

• These steamed buns can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or in the fridge inside an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• For longer storage, place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, re-steam buns in a steamer for about 10 minutes.

NOTE ON SUBSTITUTIONS

• Unfortunately, gluten-free flours cannot be substituted for bread flour in this recipe.
• All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour, but will produce softer, less chewy steamed buns.

TIPS

• Weigh your flour for the best results. 1 cup of bread flour = 120 grams / 4.23 oz. This is recommended since scooping the flour directly from the bag can can pack the flour into the measuring cup, and this means you’ll end up with more flour than what’s called for in the recipe. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can measure the flour by spooning pre-sifted flour into the measuring cup, then using the straight end of the spoon to level the flour across the top to sweep off the excess.
• To make this recipe in the bread machine: add all the dry ingredients into the machine, stir briefly before adding the wet ingredients. The machine can be set for basic. Check the dough for consistency and adjust by adding additional water (or flour) before the end of the first kneading cycle. If you want to add additional nuts or dried fruits, leave them aside, and only them 3 minutes before the end of the second kneading cycle.

More Steamed Recipes (HERE)