Velvet Black Superfood Steamed Buns

If you’re looking for a baking project that is as visually stunning as it is nourishing, you have come to the right place. These beautiful, dark-hued steamed buns are a true delight, offering a unique twist on a traditional favorite. Their incredible color comes not from any food dye, but from a powerful blend of five “black” superfoods, infusing each bite with wholesome goodness. While the recipe might seem advanced at first glance, it’s surprisingly straightforward and uses a fascinating one-proof method that saves time. These buns are steamed, not baked, resulting in an incredibly soft, moist, and fluffy texture unlike anything from a conventional oven. Ready in about an hour, they have a subtle, earthy, and nutty flavor that is comforting and satisfying. Get ready to impress yourself and your friends with these gorgeous and healthy treats! Before you begin, let’s gather our ingredients. The “five blacks” are the heart of this recipe, but don’t worry if you can’t find them all. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. The combination below is traditional, but feel free to mix and match based on what’s available at your local health food store or Asian market. Ingredients: For the Superfood Paste: 15g Black Goji Berries (can be substituted with dried blueberries or black currants) 15g Dried Black Beans 15g Black Rice (glutinous or regular) 15g Dried Black Mulberries 15g Black Sesame Seeds (toasted for more flavor, but raw is fine) 320g Cold Water For the Dough: 350g of the prepared Superfood Paste (from the ingredients above) 500g All-Purpose Flour 5g Active Dry Yeast 10g Lard (optional, but adds incredible softness. You can substitute with softened unsalted butter, coconut oil, or vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option) Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part—making the dough…