Cuban Ham Buns

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons fast-acting yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided in 2
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• Ham, our product of the month
• Cheese
• Pineapple

To make the dough, pour the water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle in the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
Add the salt, 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, and 2 cups of the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is homogenous, and then add the remaining 1 cup of flour.
Stir in the flour as best you can, then turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and knead it until it is completely smooth and elastic 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, place the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 7 to 8 minutes.
Pour the remaining 2 teaspoons oil into the bowl in which you mixed the dough. Place the dough ball in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Working on a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Cut sixteen 3-inch squares from parchment paper. These will be placed underneath the buns so they don’t stick during the steaming process.
Roll out each dough ball into a circle 4 inches in diameter. Place the dough circle in the palm of your hand and spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center.
Gather the edges of the circle up around the meat mixture, pinching the top closed. Place the bun on a parchment square, pinched side up.
Heat about 3 cups of water in a large steamer. Place the buns in the steamer about 1 inch apart so they don’t stick together, and steam for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

If you’re trying to capture the flavors of home, there’s no substitute for the right components, and you’ll find everything you need at your local Gala Foods and Gala Fresh supermarkets. At the Aurora Grocery Group, we’ve spent more than 40 years providing flavor to communities throughout our five-state footprint, and we’re ready to help you bring the heat to your next family dinner, party or any other gathering with these delicious recipes. To taste the difference that comes from quality ingredients and generations of supermarket experience, visit your local store today.