Steamed Taro Bun (芋包 yubao)

Steamed Taro Bun (芋包 yubao). [Photo/xmtravel.gov.cn]

For the older generations in Xiamen, steamed Taro Buns are an essential part of Spring Festival, similar to turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

After washing and peeling the taros, mash and mix the taro paste with starch and salt. Spread a bit of oil over the inside of a bowl, put the prepared shredded pork, shrimp, shiitake, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts into the bowl and then cover them with a layer of mashed taro. Invert it onto a steamer and steam it.

Local residents usually eat it with sweet chili sauce or barbeque sauce.