Sweet Potato Buns

Fluffy and Flavorful Sweet Potato Buns Recipe from Malawi

Region / culture: Malawi | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet potato buns are a delicious and unique twist on traditional bread rolls. These buns are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for serving alongside a meal or as a snack. The addition of sweet potatoes gives them a beautiful orange color and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

History

Sweet potato buns have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that has been used in a variety of recipes around the world. The combination of sweet potatoes and bread is a winning one, creating a flavorful and satisfying bun that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp yeast
0.5 cup lukewarm water
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup cooked mashed sweet potatoes, well drained
0.5 cup milk
1 tsp salt
3.5 to 4 cups flour
2 eggs, well beaten

How to prepare

Add butter to sweet potatoes and beat to blend.
Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
Heat milk until steaming and add to the dissolved yeast.
Add potatoes, eggs, salt, sugar, and 2 cups of flour.
Spoon the mixture into a large bowl.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Sift in the remaining flour.
Knead the dough until smooth for 10 minutes.
Form the dough into rolls with a diameter of 0.5 inches.
Place the rolls close together on a buttered baking sheet.
Cover and let the rolls rise again until doubled in size.
Bake for 20-30 minutes until the tops are golden at 375°F (191°C).

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness.
Top the buns with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the cooked sweet potatoes well before mashing them. Excess moisture can make the dough too wet and difficult to work with.

- Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size. This will help the buns to be light and fluffy.

- When forming the rolls, try to make them as uniform in size as possible to ensure even baking.

- Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter before baking to give them a golden and shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato buns are perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or salads. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or as a snack on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to knead the dough until smooth to ensure that the buns are light and fluffy.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Bake the buns at a moderate temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.

- Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free alternative.

- Use a plant-based egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for sweet potato buns ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the buns.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet potato buns on a platter with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. You can also arrange them in a basket or bread bowl for a rustic and inviting display.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet potato buns pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and hearty soups. They also go well with sweet spreads like jam or honey for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sweet potato buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the buns in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweet potato buns contains approximately 200 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy provided by food and are important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sweet potato buns contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of sweet potato buns contains approximately 6 grams of fat. Fat is an essential nutrient that provides energy, helps to absorb vitamins, and supports overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of sweet potato buns contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body and is essential for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help to support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and regulate blood pressure.

Alergens

Sweet potato buns contain dairy (milk) and eggs, which are common allergens. It is important to be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Sweet potato buns are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. They are rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Summary

Sweet potato buns are a delightful and flavorful addition to any meal. With their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and nutritious ingredients, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My family didn't have much, but we always made the best of what we had. One day, our neighbor Mrs. Johnson came over with a plate of these delicious sweet potato buns. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Mrs. Johnson was kind enough to share her recipe with me. She told me that she learned how to make these buns from her own grandmother, who passed it down through the generations. I was so grateful for her generosity, and I couldn't wait to try making them myself.

I remember the first time I attempted to make the sweet potato buns. I gathered all the ingredients - sweet potatoes, flour, sugar, butter, and yeast - and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed and kneaded the dough, I thought of Mrs. Johnson and her warm smile as she shared her recipe with me.

The sweet aroma of the buns baking in the oven filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When they were finally done, I took a bite and was transported back to that day when Mrs. Johnson first shared her recipe with me. The buns were soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.

From that day on, sweet potato buns became a staple in our household. I would make them for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and my family always looked forward to enjoying them. The recipe became a part of our family tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of cinnamon here and a splash of vanilla there. Each time I make the sweet potato buns, I think of Mrs. Johnson and the special bond we shared over our love of baking.

As I grew older, I continued to learn new recipes from friends, family, and cookbooks. But the sweet potato buns always held a special place in my heart. They remind me of simpler times, when a plate of homemade buns could bring so much joy and comfort to those who enjoyed them.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I love passing down the recipe for sweet potato buns to my own grandchildren. I teach them the importance of tradition and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. I hope that one day, they will look back on their memories of baking sweet potato buns with me with the same fondness and gratitude that I have for Mrs. Johnson.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it's comforting to know that some things will always remain the same. The recipe for sweet potato buns is one of those things - a timeless tradition that brings joy and warmth to all who taste them. So whenever I bake a batch of sweet potato buns, I do so with love and gratitude for the memories and connections that this simple recipe has brought into my life.