An
idea that came over a dim sum lunch one day, woo gok is a traditional fried
dim sum with and outside crust resembling almost a hairy surface. It is
a multitude of textures and that’s why I love it. Traditionally it is always
served as a savoury dim sum, but I thought that by reducing the salt content
a little and filling it with fruit it would make a fantastic dessert and
it does. You can fill these with anything you like, adding a bit more salt
if it for savoury filling. We have tried it with a custard and with fruit
and loved them.
Cut the taro into large pieces and steam for about 20-30 minutes. Make
sure your pieces are not too small as this will add too much liquid to
the dough.
Remove from the steamer and leave to dry off a bit.
Place in a mixer using a pedal and mix well until you have a smooth mash.
Add boiling water to the wheat starch and combine well.
Add sugar, bicarbonate and the wheat starch dough to the taro and blend
it to a smooth dough, adding the vegetable shortening at the end.
Remove dough form the mixing bowl, cover with a tea towel and place in
the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Divide the dough into 40 gram pieces. Fill the dough with the compote
and shape like an triangular egg. Deep fry these dumplings in a large
wok or pot, only a few at a time, over medium heat until they are golden
brown and fluffy looking. The outside should look like a million little
hairs standing up, Serve hot.