Curried Manapua Puffs

Curried Manapua Puffs Recipe from Hawaii | Ingredients: Chicken, Green Onions, Water Chestnuts, and More

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Curried Manapua Puffs are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that combines the flavors of curry, chicken, and water chestnuts in a flaky biscuit dough. These puffs are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a tasty snack.

History

The recipe for Curried Manapua Puffs is inspired by traditional Hawaiian manapua, which are steamed buns filled with various savory fillings. This version adds a twist with the addition of curry powder and other flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients

1 (10 oz) can chunk chicken, drained and flaked
0.5 bunch green onions, finely chopped
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1.5 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper to taste
5 (10 oz) packages refrigerated biscuit dough

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, green onions, water chestnuts, oyster sauce, sesame seeds, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
Flatten the biscuit dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each biscuit.
Place approximately 1 tsp of the chicken mixture onto each biscuit, then pinch the dough around the mixture to form an encasing ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground pork or tofu for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain and flake the chicken well to ensure a smooth and even texture in the filling.

- Be sure to finely chop the green onions and water chestnuts to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Seal the biscuit dough tightly around the filling to prevent any leaks during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Curried Manapua Puffs as a tasty appetizer with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the Curried Manapua Puffs in a preheated oven to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option.

- Substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake the puffs.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Curried Manapua Puffs on a platter and garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Curried Manapua Puffs with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Curried Manapua Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Curried Manapua Puffs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Curried Manapua Puffs contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Curried Manapua Puffs contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Curried Manapua Puffs contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Curried Manapua Puffs are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and soy allergens.

Summary

Curried Manapua Puffs are a flavorful appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Curried Manapua Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling encased in flaky biscuit dough, these puffs are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Curried Manapua Puffs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Wong, who lived down the street from me. Mrs. Wong was an excellent cook, and I always looked forward to tasting her delicious creations.

On this particular day, as I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. Mrs. Wong was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of curry sauce with a look of intense concentration on her face. Intrigued, I asked her what she was cooking, and she smiled and revealed that she was making Curried Manapua Puffs.

I had never heard of this dish before, but my mouth watered at the thought of trying it. Mrs. Wong explained that the recipe was a family favorite, passed down through generations. She graciously offered to teach me how to make it, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Mrs. Wong shared stories of her childhood in Hawaii, where her family had immigrated from China. She explained that Manapua Puffs were a popular street food in Hawaii, a fusion of Chinese and Hawaiian flavors. The savory curry filling wrapped in a fluffy, steamed bun was a delicious combination that had become a beloved comfort food for many.

I watched intently as Mrs. Wong expertly folded the dough around the curry filling, shaping each puff into a perfect little bundle. She taught me the importance of patience and precision in cooking, emphasizing the need to take care in every step of the process.

After the puffs were steamed to perfection, Mrs. Wong placed them on a platter and invited me to try one. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of exotic flavors and comforting warmth. The curry was rich and spicy, the dough soft and pillowy. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that moment on, Curried Manapua Puffs became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make them for family gatherings and potlucks, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. The recipe became a part of my culinary repertoire, a treasured gem that I would pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I continued to learn new recipes and cooking techniques from friends, family, and cookbooks. Each dish I mastered added to the tapestry of flavors and traditions that I cherished. But it was the Curried Manapua Puffs that held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I learned to make them from Mrs. Wong.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Mrs. Wong's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking. The joy of creating delicious meals and sharing them with others has brought me immense happiness throughout my life. And as I pass on the recipe for Curried Manapua Puffs to my grandchildren, I know that the tradition will continue to thrive, connecting us through the generations in a shared love of food and family.