Tingmo (Steamed Bread)

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1. 1Step 1: Measure the flour into a mixing bowl and add the yeast, olive oil, and sugar (if using).
2. 2Step 2: Break the eggs, or if not using them, add a scant 1/2 cup (100 milliliters) of warm water instead. While mixing with your dominant hand, gradually pour in the 2/3 cup (150 milliliters) of warm water with the other hand.
3. 3Step 3: Knead the dough in the bowl until it forms a smooth ball. Cover and set aside for 20 minutes, lightly kneading the dough halfway through.
4. 4Step 4: When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a work surface and knead with both hands until smooth, then roll into a ball.
5. 5Step 5: Divide the dough into three equal pieces, returning two of them to the bowl and keeping them covered.
6. 6Step 6: Using a rolling pin, roll out the other piece on a flour-dusted work surface, turning it one way and then the other. You want it to be about 1/16 inch (2 millimeters) thick and 12-16 inches (30-40 centimeters) across.
7. 7Step 7: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the center of the dough and gently flap the edges into and then out of the center several times, so that all parts of the dough make contact with the oil.
8. 8Step 8: Starting from one side, roll up the dough, ending with what looks like a large, rolled-up pancake.
9. 9Step 9: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll of dough on the diagonal into 2 inch (5 centimeter) slices.
10. 10Step 10: The tingmo pieces can be placed directly into the steamer in this form, but if you would like to shape them decoratively, now is the time to do it.
11. 11Step 11: Use the side of a chopstick to press firmly into the center of each tingmo, fanning its layers up on either side, then gently twist the tingmo and pull the chopstick out, giving the tingmo a flower-like shape.
12. 12Step 12: Repeat the rolling, cutting, and shaping process with the two remaining pieces of dough.
13. 13Step 13: If using a bamboo steamer, line each basket with parchment paper. If using a metal steamer, drizzle a little oil onto your hands and lightly oil the inside of the steamer basket.
14. 14Step 14: Place the tingmos in the steamer baskets, leaving a 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) gap between each one. If working with just one steamer basket, you will need to steam them in several batches.
15. 15Step 15: Pour about 6 1/4 cups (1.5 liters) of water into the base of your steamer (or a wok, if using bamboo steamer baskets) and bring to a boil; the tingmos can stand in the steamer while it heats up.
16. 16Step 16: When the water starts to boil, steam the tingmos for 10-12 minutes, then carefully remove and serve hot.