Yam Abacus Seeds 芋头算盘子

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Instructions

 

Prepare Yam Abacus:

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  First peel yam and cut into thick slices.
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  Steam yam for 30 minutes, till very soft and cooked. If using a wok to steam, bring water to a boil before putting in to steam.
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  Quickly transfer cooked yam to a stand mixer (use the K attachment).
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  Using the lowest speed, mix until the yam is thoroughly mashed.
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  Then add in tapioca flour and salt. Continue to mix.
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  Next, add in vegetable oil.
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  Lastly, slowly add in boiling water, a little at a time and mix till the dough comes together.
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  Then, change to the dough hook attachment. Mix for another 10 minutes on the lowest speed, or until you get a pliable dough. Alternatively, you can also mash the steamed yam by hand and hand knead into a dough.
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  When done, divide the dough into smaller pieces.
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  Roll into long logs and cut into small even pieces, about 5g each (or your desired size).
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  Roll each piece in between your palms to form round balls. Use your index finger to press in the centre of the ball (make a slight depression), forming an abacus seed shape.
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  Continue to do the same with remaining dough pieces. Note that making same-sized abacus seeds will ensure even cooking.
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  Boil a large pot of water. Add in yam abacus seeds in batches, stirring well to prevent them from sticking together.
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  Boil for about 15 minutes or until abacus seeds float up to the water surface.
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  Remove from boiling water and immediately rinse in cold water for about 5 seconds. This 'shocking' technique halts the cooking process and firms up the abacus seeds.
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  Drain water and drizzle cooking oil. Coating the abacus seeds evenly with oil prevents them from sticking together. And we're ready to fry the yam abacus seeds!

Stir Fry Yam Abacus:

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  First soak, then chop dried shrimps. Cut dried shiitake mushrooms, black fungus and dried cuttlefish into strips.
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  Mince the meat, then chop garlic and shallots.
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  Mix all seasoning ingredients together. And we're ready to stir fry the yam abacus.
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  Heat up oil in wok and saute chopped garlic and shallots till aromatic.
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  Then add in chopped dried shrimps and cuttlefish strips. Stir fry till dried shrimps turns golden brown and fragrant.
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  Next, add in mince meat, sliced shiitake mushrooms and black fungus. Continue to fry and mix everything together.
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  Add seasonings and bring to a boil.
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  Next, add in the cooked yam abacus seeds.
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  Stir fry until sauce dries up. And we're done!
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  Garnish with crispy fried shallots, spring onions, chinese coriander and red chilli strips. As always, Enjoy!