Hopia with Mung Bean Filling is a beloved pastry in Filipino cuisine that’s enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially popular during festive occasions. These delightful pastries feature a sweet and slightly nutty mung bean filling encased in a flaky, tender crust. Making them at home allows you to savor these treats fresh from the oven, and you can share them with family and friends, spreading the joy of Filipino flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Mung Bean Filling:
- 1 cup peeled split mung beans
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mung Bean Filling:
- Wash the mung beans thoroughly and drain. In a saucepan, combine the mung beans, sugar, coconut milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes thick and the beans are mashed. This can take about 20-25 minutes.
2. Add Vanilla Extract:
- Once the mung bean mixture is thick and well-cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool.
3. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix. Gradually add the water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the Dough:
- Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a ping pong ball.
5. Flatten and Fill:
- Take a ball of dough and flatten it with your palm. Place a spoonful of mung bean filling in the center.
6. Seal and Shape:
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling to encase it completely. Pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball.
7. Roll and Shape:
- Roll the filled dough ball between your hands to make it smooth and round. Place it on a baking sheet with the sealed side down.
8. Repeat:
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Apply Egg Wash:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the hopia with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
10. Bake:
- Bake the hopia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
11. Serve:
- Allow the hopia to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade hopia with mung bean filling with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cook’s Notes:
- Storage: Keep the hopia in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as ube (purple yam) or pineapple, to create various hopia flavors.
- Shapes: Hopia is traditionally shaped into rounds or squares, but you can get creative and make them into other shapes if desired.
Homemade Hopia with Mung Bean Filling is a delightful treat that offers a taste of Filipino culture and tradition. With a flaky, tender crust and a sweet mung bean center, these pastries are perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a snack or dessert. Embrace the art of Filipino baking and enjoy the delicious results.
