Insider's Kitchen

No.159 (3/12/10)

Steamed Bread/Cake

By Chiho Tsukiashi
Staff Writer

When you hear “mushi-pan,” you might think of “bug bread.” Don't worry, it doesn't contain any bugs. “Mushi” also means, “steamed.” Japanese steamed bread is a soft and sweet treat that tastes closer to cake than bread. Mushi-pan is a healthy alternative to regular cake or bread because it doesn't contain butter. Add diced apples, grated carrot, blueberry, chocolate chips, cocoa powder or anything you like. It will be your favorite breakfast or dessert. Cooking mushi-pan from scratch takes only 10-15 minutes. It requires only ordinary ingredients and basic tools. If you don't have a steamer, it can be substituted with a microwave oven or a pot. Once you try it, you will find that it is truly “piece of cake.”

Ingredients:
Egg 1
Milk 2 tbsp
Sugar 2 tbsp
Flour 50g (1.7oz)
Baking Powder 1tsp

Recipe (using a microwave oven):
1. Beat an egg. Add and mix milk and sugar well.
2. Add and mix flour and baking powder lightly, taking care not to make the batter sticky.
3. Pour the batter into microwavable cereal bowl.
4. Place the bowl in a larger microwavable bowl or container. Pour 1/2 cup of water into it.
5. Microwave the above for 5 minutes or till thoroughly cooked.

Recipe (using a pot):
(Steps 1 through 3 are same as above)
4. Place a large plate upside-down in the pot. Pour 1 cup of water in the pot.
5. Boil the water. Place the bowl with batter on the plate. Put on the lid and steam for 12 minutes or till thoroughly cooked. Add water before all evaporates.

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