Steamed Stuffed Pumpkin Blossons

[Ellen Shapiro]

Steamed Stuffed Pumpkin Blossons

While in China during my Seven Weeks in Tibet, one day on bikes ended at the cooking school. It was an optional activity, and I was tired, but I knew I had to do it for my fellow eGullet Society members.

• 100 g minced pork
  
• 1/2 bunch chives, chopped (or spring onions or scallions)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• Pumpkin flowers
  

Mix the minced pork (minced or finely chopped tofu is a tasty vegetarian alternative), salt and chives together. Stuff vegetables and steam for 15 minutes in a steamer (we used a bamboo steamer placed on top of a wok with water). Note: any edible vegetable flower with a pocket can be used as an alternative to pumpkin flowers -- including zucchini flowers. Other variations could include (but not limited to): vegetables -- peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes -- and quarter sized cream puff shells (break through the dough and stuff with the minced mixture). Minced chicken or beef can also be substituted for the pork.

Keywords: Chinese

( RG1206 )