Anpan

Anpan is a popular Japanese sweet bread filled with sweet red bean paste.

Ingredients - Serves 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add the softened butter and warm milk to the dry ingredients.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into 8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it with your palm.
Place a spoonful of sweet red bean paste in the center of each flattened dough portion.
Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling.
Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the anpan for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.