Potato Buns

Are you looking for a unique and delicious recipe to try at home? Look no further than these mouthwatering potato buns! Combining the goodness of potatoes, onions, peas, and a blend of flavorful spices, these buns are the perfect snack or side dish for any meal.

Unlike traditional bread buns, these potato buns offer a unique twist with their soft, pillowy texture and rich, savory filling. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to add some variety to your baking repertoire, these potato buns are sure to impress.

In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these delectable buns, from preparing the dough to filling and baking. Get ready to indulge in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience with these irresistible potato buns. Let's get started!

What Are Potato Buns?

• Potato buns are a delicious and savory Indian snack or appetizer that combines the soft and fluffy texture of buns with the flavorful and aromatic filling of mashed potatoes, onions, peas, and spices. These buns are then brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sesame seeds and crushed black pepper, giving them a unique and inviting appearance.
• The combination of the succulent mashed potatoes and the Indian spices such as red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and cumin powder, along with the addition of cashew nuts, creates a delightful blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of the green peas adds a touch of sweetness, while the chopped onions add a subtle crunch to the filling.
• Overall, potato buns are a perfect example of the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, and they can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a tasty addition to any meal.

Why You'll Love Potato Buns?

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These potato buns have a light, fluffy texture that is simply irresistible. The addition of mashed potatoes to the dough creates a soft and tender crumb, making these buns perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on their own.
• Health Benefits of Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. By incorporating mashed potatoes into the dough, you're adding a nutritious element to these buns, making them a healthier option compared to regular bread buns.
• Versatile and Delicious: The potato buns can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be used as burger buns, sandwich bread, or even as a side to a warm bowl of soup. The delicious flavor and soft texture make them a versatile choice for any meal.
• Low in Fat: These potato buns are made with minimal butter and oil, making them a lower-fat option compared to other bread products. This can be a great choice for those looking to enjoy baked goods without consuming too much fat.
• Comfort Food: The warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked potato buns is enough to lift anyone's spirits. These buns are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for enjoying on a cozy evening with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Family-Friendly Recipe: Kids and adults alike will love these potato buns. The soft texture and mild flavor make them an ideal choice for the whole family. Plus, you can even involve the kids in the baking process for some quality family time.

Ingredients for Potato Buns

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dough, it provides structure and helps to create a soft and fluffy texture.
• Instant dry yeast: It helps the dough to rise and gives the buns a light and airy texture.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the dough, making the buns tender and delicious.
• Potato: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor to the buns, keeping them soft and moist.
• Onion, green peas, and cashew nuts: These ingredients are used for the filling, adding texture and a delightful combination of flavors to the potato buns.

How To Make Potato Buns?

If you're looking to make delicious and flavorful potato buns, follow these simple steps for a tasty and satisfying experience.

• Activate the Yeast: Combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water and let it set until foamy. This step is important for ensuring that the yeast is activated and will help the dough rise.
• Knead the Dough: Once the yeast is activated, add flour, egg, salt, and butter to the mixing bowl and knead until it becomes a smooth dough. This step is crucial for creating the right texture and consistency for the buns.
• Allow the Dough to Rise: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This step is important for achieving the desired light and fluffy texture in the buns.
• Prepare the Filling: Saute the onions, peas, and mashed potatoes with the spices and cashews. This step is key to infusing the filling with a rich and aromatic flavor.
• Shape and Fill the Buns: Roll out the dough, add the potato filling, and then seal and shape the buns. This step is essential for creating the classic bun shape and ensuring the filling stays intact during baking.
• Bake to Perfection: Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds and crushed black pepper, and bake until golden brown. This final step is crucial for achieving a beautiful color and texture on the buns.

Following these steps will result in delicious and flavorful potato buns that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful aroma of freshly baked buns!

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Pairings: These potato buns make a delicious meal when served with a side of creamy coleslaw and a tangy tamarind chutney. The coleslaw complements the softness of the buns, while the tamarind chutney adds a burst of flavor.
• Refreshing Salad: For a lighter option, consider serving the potato buns with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The crunchiness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the buns, creating a delightful balance.
• Warm Soup: A warm bowl of lentil or vegetable soup makes an excellent accompaniment to these flavorful potato buns. The combination of the hearty soup and the buns creates a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Spicy Dips: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider pairing the potato buns with a selection of spicy dips, such as mint chutney or spicy tomato relish. The spicy kick of the dips adds an extra layer of flavor to the buns.
• Yogurt Raita: The mild and cooling flavors of yogurt raita provide a nice contrast to the bold and spicy flavors of the potato buns. The creamy texture of the raita complements the fluffy texture of the buns, making for a delightful combination.
• Fruit Salad: For a sweet and refreshing option, serve the potato buns with a side of fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruits balances the savory flavors of the buns, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making Delicious Potato Buns

Furthermore, I would like to give some suggestions for making perfect spicy potato buns.

• Firstly, add dry yeast and sugar to the lukewarm water (about100 degrees F or 38 degrees C) and let it set for 5to 10 mins to activate. Lukewarm water is very important to this recipe to activate the yeast. If you use hot water, then it will kill the yeast. so try to use lukewarm water.
• Secondly, knead the dough until smooth and silky. It will take 13 to 15 mins. If you don’t have the stand mixer, then you can also knead the dough by hand for about 15 to 20 mins or until it becomes soft and silky.
• Finally, place the prepared buns in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. If you are a vegetarian, brush some milk over the dough instead of egg wash.
• Filling Prep: When placing the potato mixture in the center of the dough, make sure to seal the edges properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. This will ensure that each bun is filled with delicious, savory goodness.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the buns while they are in the oven. They should bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are nicely browned. Over-baking can result in dry buns, so be sure to check them towards the end of the baking time.
• Enjoy Fresh: These potato buns are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve them as a snack or with a cup of tea for a delightful treat.

By following these tips, you can create delicious and visually appealing potato buns that are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Variations for Potato Buns

• Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, try adding some finely chopped green chilies or jalapenos to the potato mixture for a spicy twist. You can also increase the amount of red chili powder to amp up the heat even more.
• Cheesy Surprise: Add a generous amount of grated cheese to the potato mixture before sealing the buns for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack would work well for this variation.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill into the potato filling for a burst of fresh flavors. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Swap the egg wash for a non-dairy milk wash and use a plant-based butter to make a vegan-friendly version of these potato buns. You can also skip the egg in the dough and use a flax egg or applesauce as a binding agent.
• Savory Sausage: Add some cooked and crumbled sausage to the potato mixture for a heartier, meaty variation. This is a great option for meat lovers looking to add some extra protein to their potato buns.
• Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, try adding a spoonful of fruity jam or chutney to the potato filling for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Apricot, mango, or cranberry jam would all work well in this variation.

These variations offer a chance to get creative in the kitchen and customize the potato buns to suit your personal taste preferences. Feel free to mix and match these options or come up with your own unique combinations. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Potato Buns

• Store in an airtight container: Once the potato buns have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to keep the potato buns for more than a couple of days, refrigerate them. This will help to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh for a longer period of time.
• Avoid moisture: Make sure the potato buns are completely cooled before storing them, and also avoid storing them in a humid environment to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Separate individual buns with parchment paper: If you are stacking the potato buns in a container, consider separating the layers with parchment paper to avoid them from sticking to each other and maintain their shape.
• Reheat before serving: When you are ready to enjoy the potato buns, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness and warmth.
• Properly store key ingredients: To ensure that your potato buns stay fresh, make sure to store key ingredients such as mashed potatoes, chopped onions, and green peas in the refrigerator to prevent them from spoiling.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that your delicious potato buns remain fresh and tasty for longer periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can be used as a substitute for instant dry yeast?

• You can substitute instant dry yeast with active dry yeast, but make sure to activate it in warm water and sugar before using it in the recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

• Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor of the potato buns may differ slightly.

How can I adjust the spice level in the potato filling?

• To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your taste preference.

Can I make the potato buns ahead of time and store them?

• Yes, you can make the potato buns ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven before serving to regain their freshness.

Can the potato buns be frozen?

• Yes, you can freeze the potato buns once they are baked. Make sure to thaw them before reheating them in the oven.

How can I prevent the potato buns from becoming dry?

• To prevent the potato buns from becoming dry, you can brush them with butter or olive oil before and after baking to keep them moist.

Recipe Card

Potato Buns

Potato Buns 2018-01-02 04:00:53

Serving Size: 8 potato buns

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour (260g)
• 4g instant dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp sugar
• 30g butter (2 tbsp)
• 120 to 150 ml warm water
• 1/4 tsp salt          

For Stuffing

• 1 cup boiled and mashed potato
• one medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 50g (1/4 cup) green peas, frozen
• 1/4 cup chopped cashew nuts
• 1 tsp red chili powder or more as per your taste
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tbsp oil
• salt to taste          

For Topping

• 1 lightly beaten egg
• sesame seeds and crushed black pepper

Instructions:          

For stuffing

• Heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
• When the oil heats, add chopped cashews, fry until they turn into golden brown in color, remove from the pan and keep it aside.
• In the same pan, add chopped onions, saute until it turns translucent, also add peas, Saute until they become little soft.
• Then add mashed potatoes, mix well for 30 seconds.
• Further add all the powders and salt, mix well and cook for 2 mins.
• Then add the fried cashews, give a quick stir. Remove from the heat and let it cool for some time.          

For Dough

• Combine the dry yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of warm water in the bowl of an electric stand mixer and let it set for 5 to 10 mins or until foamy.
• Then place the bowl in the stand mixer and insert the hook attachment.
• Further add flour, egg, and salt to the mixing bowl and knead for 2 mins then add butter, keep on kneading for 13 mins or until it becomes a smooth dough. If you need more water add little by little.
• Grease some oil over the flour mixture and cover the bowl with aluminum foil and keep it aside for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.          

How to Shape the dough into Buns

• Then place the dough on floured workspace and pat or press the dough into a circle.
• Then cut the circle into 8 triangle pieces as shown in the picture below.
• Place the triangle piece on the floured surface and then roll the dough by using floured rolling pin.          

Stuffing

• Place one tablespoon of potato mixture in the middle of the wide portion and then slowly fold both corners and the other end and just seal it and next press it down and seals two corners and stretch it to your side and then roll it to the other end.
• Leave the prepared buns (30 mins) on the lined baking sheet until doubled in size.          

Topping

• Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash and sprinkle some sesame seeds and crushed black pepper on top.
• Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180 degrees C.  Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 mins or until browned.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-By-Step Instructions:

How to make spicy potato buns:

Then place the dough on a floured workspace and press the dough into a circle and then cut into 8 triangle pieces as shown in the picture above.
Place the triangle piece on the floured surface and then roll the dough by using floured rolling pin as shown in the picture below.

Place one tablespoon of potato mixture in the middle of the wide portion and then slowly fold both corners and the other end and just seal it and next press it down and seals two corners and stretch it to your side and then roll it to the other end.
Leave the prepared buns (30 mins) on the lined baking sheet until doubled in size. Then brush the tops of the buns with egg wash and sprinkle some sesame seeds and crushed black pepper on top. Bake it in the preheated oven (180 degrees C) for about 15 to 20 mins or until browned. Now your spicy potato buns are ready to serve.