Weekly Buddhist Diet: Steamed Sesame Flower Rolls

Week 2 of September 2026

Summary:

Steamed Sesame Flower Rolls are soft, layered Chinese buns flavored with black sesame and a restrained pepper-salt mixture instead of scallions. The dough is folded, twisted, proofed, and steamed until fluffy.

The rolls mainly provide carbohydrates, while sesame adds unsaturated fat, protein, and minerals. Pair them with tofu, vegetables, and soup for a more varied meal.

Ingredients:

· All-purpose flour 500 g
· Warm water 270 ml
· Instant yeast 5 g
· Sugar 10 g
· Toasted black sesame 2 tbsp
· Ground Sichuan pepper 1/4 tsp
· Salt 1/2 tsp
· Sesame oil 1 tbsp

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast
Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast and rest for 5 minutes.

2. Knead and proof
Knead with the flour until smooth. Cover and proof until doubled.

3. Roll the dough
Deflate and roll into a thin rectangle, then brush with sesame oil.

4. Season
Sprinkle with sesame, ground pepper, and salt, then fold the dough.

5. Shape
Cut into strips, stack pairs, press the center, stretch, twist, and tuck the ends underneath.

6. Proof againWeekly Buddhist Diet: Steamed Sesame Flower Rolls

Place in the steamer and rest for 15–20 minutes.

7. Steam
Start over cool water, steam for 15 minutes, turn off the heat, and wait 3 minutes before opening.

Plant-Based Wellness Tip

Use comfortably warm rather than hot water so the yeast remains active. Allow a second proof after shaping, and wait briefly before opening the steamer to reduce shrinkage.

Eat healthy, enjoy plant-based meals every week!