MANILA, Philippines — Imagine a merienda that gives you all the cheesy goodness of a Cheese Puto and a delightfully savory Siomai at the same time! Is it possible to make one — or two, errr, a whole batch — at all?
Ask Chef Jackie Ang Po, whose culinary creativity never wanes, and she will say yes. It takes someone like her to achieve the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors in a Cheese Puto Mai, and she has done it. Here is the recipe:
Cheese Puto Mai
Ingredients:
250 grams all-purpose flour
2 cups water
2 tbsps. baking powder
200 grams sugar
55 grams margarine
For the siomai filling:
500 grams pork
2 pcs. pork cube
1 tbsp. calamansi juice
1 pc. (70 grams) onion, chopped
6 cloves (20 grams) minced garlic
30 grams chopped spring onion
1 pc. small carrot (80 grams), brunoise
20 grams pimiento (optional)
80 grams California raisins, chopped
4 tbsps. (30 grams) flour
1 egg
60 grams breadcrumbs
100 grams cheese, grated and refrigerated
Procedure:
1. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients for the siomai filling.
2. Make small balls and steam for 10 minutes.
3. Mix together all ingredients for the puto. Pour into puto mold, placing a siomai ball in the center halfway before covering with more puto batter.
4. Steam for 15 minutes, top with grated cheese.
*Makes 24 pieces, 40 grams each.
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