Siddu is a beloved Indo-Tibetan steamed bread renowned for its delightful, pillowy texture and flavorful fillings. This traditional dish involves creating a soft dough, stuffed with a variety of savory or sweet fillings like spiced greens, meats, or even sweet mixtures. The dough is carefully shaped around the filling, then steamed until it puffs up, creating a delectable, moist bread with a burst of flavors. Siddu is often enjoyed as a snack or a meal, served alongside accompaniments like yogurt or chutney, offering a comforting and satisfying culinary experience.
Here’s a detailed recipe to make Siddu:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups finely chopped spinach or greens (traditionally, mustard greens are used)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, activated yeast mixture, and oil.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture to form a soft and smooth dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Add Greens and Spices:
- Add the finely chopped spinach or greens to the pan. Cook until they wilt and any excess moisture evaporates.
- Season with garam masala and salt. Mix well and let the filling cool down.
Assembling and Cooking:
- Prep the Siddu:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it for a few minutes.
- Divide the dough into small balls (about golf ball-sized).
- Stuff and Shape the Siddu:
- Take a ball of dough and flatten it with your palms to form a small disc.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the disc.
- Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to cover the filling, shaping it into a round ball. Make sure to seal the edges properly.
- Steaming:
- Place the prepared Siddu on a greased steamer tray or on parchment paper in a steamer basket.
- Steam the Siddu for about 15-20 minutes until they puff up and the dough is cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch when done.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Siddu from the steamer.
- Serve hot with a side of yogurt, chutney, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips:
- Feel free to experiment with the filling by using different vegetables, meats, or even sweet fillings like jaggery and nuts for a dessert version.
- Ensure the edges of the Siddu are properly sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out while steaming.
Enjoy your freshly made Siddu, a delightful Tibetan steamed bread with a flavorful filling!
