Puto Pao

I know in spanish 'puto' has a negative meaning of sorts, but in the Philippines it's got a tasty meaning behind it.  It's commonly found in many gathering and parties as well as come in different color. But we'll just stick to the classic white for this one. It can be made into the size of a hubcap or as small as a cupcake. A good dish to pair this with is usually pancit.

The recipe below was actually given to me by my cousin, who made it for me when I was in the country last year. Traditionally, it's usually made with rice flour. but if you don't have the means to make your own or find some that's readily available, you can use cake flour instead. These cakes aren't baked but steamed. They look light and fluffy and so good to eat.

There's also the optional shredded cheese and salted egg for topping. Salted eggs are uncooked duck eggs, still in the shell, soaked in a salt and water bath for two weeks. Then after two weeks they are hard boiled and eaten.

Makes 2 6-inch cakes or 20 cupcakes

Puto Pao
adapted from my cousin's recipe

1 1/4 c cake flour or rice flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1 c water
3 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 c granulated sugar
cheddar cheese - optional
salted egg - optional
banana leaves - optional


Prepare you steamer, keep the water on a low flame if not boiling immediately

Sift together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Then mix in the water and blend. Mix it in a clockwise or counter-clockwise way. Don't use both.  Set the mixture aside.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until it begins to looks the consistency of meringue or marshmallow. It's best to use a mixer for this part, but if mixing by hand, whisk vigorously. Then slowly add the sugar while still continuously mixing. When the mixture looks to form stiff peaks when held with a spoon, it's ready.

Fold the egg white mixture into the flour mixture until thoroughly combine. Place the butter in a parchment paper or banana leaf lined cake pan or into cupcake liners.

Steam for 10 minutes then add the toppings. Steam once more for 10 minutes to let the cheese melt.

 

A 6-inch cake version steamed in a banana leaf