Chinese Steamed Bun (Mantou)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar over 4 Tbsp. of the hot water and leave it for 15 min. Place the flour in a bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mix and the remaining water.
2. Mix everything to a dough. Turn it onto a floured board and knead till smooth. Return dough to the bowl, cover and let it stand in a hot place for about an hour or possibly till doubled in size. Punch down, cover again and let it stand for 20 min longer. Knead the dough again and shape into rolls. Bring the water in the bottom of a steamer to a boil. Place the rolls in the steamer, leaving a 1- inch gap between them. Cook for 10 min, or possibly till hard and cooked through. Serve them warm.