Potato Buns

I discovered that it was long since I baked something with yeast..I love the rising, kneading, shaping of the dough. Though it is a long process, it gives a sense of satisfaction when you prepare home-baked goodies at home..I made these potato buns one evening and they came out too good..These buns are similar to the piroshkis. But the dough is spiced up with some fresh cumin and chilli..They turned out too soft and delicious..

Ingredients

For the dough

Yeast - 2 tablespoons
Sugar - 2 tablespoons
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Lukewarm water - 1/4 cup
Milk - 1/4 cup (at room temperature)
Whole wheat flour - 1 cup
Maida / All purpose flour - 1 cup
Crushed cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Chilli powder - 1 teaspoon

For the filling

Potato - 1 large sized
Onion - 1 medium sized
Chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

Directions

Mix the sugar in the lukewarm water.Add the yeast to it and leave it aside for about 7 to 8 minutes until it turns frothy. Take care the water is not too hot, cos it kills the yeast and also not too cold as yeast is not effective in cold water.

Stir in the oil, salt, milk, flours, chilli powder and crushed cumin seeds. Knead well with hands to form an elastic dough.. Place in a greased vessel and cover it with a tea towel. Allow it to rise until it gets doubled in size.It takes around 50 to 60 minutes.

Chop the potatoes finely. Meanwhile prepare the filling. Heat oil and fry the onions till it turns translucent. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander and chilli powder. Cook for a minute. Now add the potatoes and salt and cover and cook for about 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to completely cool.

Preheat oven to 400 degree F.

Divide the dough into large lemon sized balls. It yields about 12 to 13 balls with the quantities mentioned above. Place the ball on a greased surface and roll it out slightly to about 3.5 inches in diameter with a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can also press the ball with your fingers to spread it out. Place a tablespoon of the potato mixture in the center andbring the edges of dough to the center to seal. Place seam side down on a baking sheet. 

Allow it to rise again for about an hour. Bake at 4oo degree F for about 2o minutes until the top gets slightly browned.

Serve warm with tea!

This is my entry to World Bread Baking Day!