Whew! That title is a mouthful isn’t it ? I was always smitten with the idea of using Sweet potato in breads and was very curious to see how they added to the moisture and texture of the breads, and surely we weren’t disappointed.
Taking inspiration from here and Samira Damirova from Masterchef (she’s been my newest and greatest role model for baking breads) in that she turns them out so effortlessly and confidently- using both native ingredients and her own culinary influence from Azerbaijaan, where she originally hails from – with a quiet confidence that’s rare to see in a reality show like MasterChef Australia.
And for some strange (and wonderful reason) , I infused saffron to these dinner rolls and they were just (as Gary from Masterchef Australia would say,) “Rock and Roll“. These were the softest, yummiest and most delicious bread rolls I have ever baked so far, and as a baker I constantly critique my baking so I am personally very happy with the dish.
A big shout to Elena, whose recipe I EXACTLY halved (without using the egg wash though), and I was a very happy baker and it was received very well by the entire family. I have baked 8 rolls with this for lunch (with Matar ka Shorba – Vegan Peas soup), but I still have a half of the dough freezing to be used again.
This could easily be the easiest and yummiest bread roll for your Xmas party or New years’ . Do try it and let me know how you liked them.
Sending this to week175 of #FoodieMondayBloghop (“Christmas Special” theme suggested by members) and #Bakeathon2018.
So far on Bakeathon, following 6 bakes were dished out – do take a look if you missed any in this series:
Day 1 – Baked Upma
Day 2 – Baked Veg Cheesy Eggless Casserole
Day 3 – Flourless Choco Chip Mini Brownies (GF and Vegan too)
Day 4 – Tandoori Malai Broccoli
Day 5 – Wholewheat Eggless Almond Chocolate Muffins
Day 6 – Wholewheat Kitkat Gems Chocolate Cake
Let’s get to the recipe:
Vegan Saffron-Infused Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
Cuisine – American / World ,Course : Snack / Dinner / Lunch
Prep time – 20 mins, rise + bake time : 2 hours+, makes : 16 small medium sized rolls
(1 cup = 240 ml)
You would need:
- Maida / All Purpose flour – 1 cup
- Wholewheat flour (stone ground wheat flour) – 1 3/4 cup + 2 TBSP
- Boiled and peeled Sweet potatoes – 1 medium (about 120/130 grams) {{ IMP: these must be lukewarm when adding to the dough, not cold or hot , else it would kill the yeast }}
- Warm water – 60 ml + 4 TBSP
- Instant Yeast – 3/4 + 1/3 tsp
- Maple Syrup – 1 tsp
- Oil – 1 T + more for greasing
- Salt – 5 grams
- Saffron – a generous pinch
topping:
- Poppy seeds – as needed
- Water water + 1/2 tsp maple syrup
How to:
- In a bowl, add the warm water (60 ml), saffron strands and maple syrup. Whisk well.
- Mix in the yeast , cover and let it bloom (takes 5-10 mins).
- In the bowl of the stand mixer or large plate / bowl, add the flour and mix well. Once yeast froths, add that mixture and the mashed sweet potato. Mix well
- Now add the salt , oil and mix well. Knead till really smooth. You may need to add more water depending on the wholewheat. Keep the kneaded dough in the same bowl of the stand mixer or any other oiled container and let it rise in size.
- After 60-90 minutes, punch the dough once and knead for 1-2 mins.
- Pinch out 16 equal portions and roll to smooth dinner rolls and place in a greased baking pan (I used a Wilton 9X5 pan and placed only 8 rolls , you could use a flat baking tray and place all 16 rolls at one go , about 1 inch apart from each other.
- Cover / cling wrap till it rises again. Towards the end of the second rise, pre heat oven to 175C / 250F. Gently brush the risen rolls with a mixture of sugar / maple syrup and warm water, and top with any seeds (pumpkin / poppy – I used the latter).
- Bake for 20-22 mins or till tops are golden brown, I broiled for just 1 minute after they were baked.
- Serve warm as is or with any soup
Interesting take on buns !
Sweet potato and saffron ! Very unique combo for a bun , serving with Mattar ka Shorba is a great lunch idea . Good one Kalyani .
Very rich looking dinner rolls. Saffron and sweet potato combination sounds ultimate. Beautiful buns Kalyani.
What an interesting recipe! I have used potato in buns before but never sweet potato, and the saffron is surely a lovely addition… the buns look amazing…
Such beautifully baked buns Kalyani. I love all the flavors in there — saffron, sweet potato — these must have tasted heavenly.
Beautifully baked buns.. I've used sweet potato in bread and they turn out amazingly soft. Next time try out a savory version, adding fresh dill or other herbs. Awesome combination.
Very nice recipe Kalyani!! I like to add both veggie and fruit purées to my breads and cakes!! These buns have come out so well baked with a nice color!! I am sure you must have enjoyed these with your peas soup!!
Sweet potato buns!! These buns are so fantastic. Using Saffron in a bun is a different thought.
Kal, I was a major MC Fan and wouldnt miss an episode, sometimes watch it twice. Your post got me all nostalgic. Loved the addition of the sweet potato for the buns and they look incredibly soft. Peas Soup and buns, I would call this a perfect dinner option.
I have tried breads with potatoes and so can guess what amazing texture and flavour sweet potatoes can give. Even I love Samira. She is so sweet and extremely talented. The buns are looking so good Kalyani.
Never tried sweet potato in baking,the rolls turned out so good.
I have seen breads with sweet potato but somehow never tried to bake them. Some resistance. But your recipe is giving me confidence to try them. Looks amazing and saffron flavour would take this to a new level
I have yet to try my hands on a bread with sweet potato. Your recipe sounds great. Bookmarking it and hope to try out soon. Thanks for the share.
Strange indeed, saffron infused, sweet potato buns! I love this combination. Haven't cooked with sweet potato except for roasting them on the fire (in days when we had access to a charcoal or wood fire), and these buns sound a great place to start cooking with them again. Sujata Shukla from PepperOnPizza
Sweet potatoes in my vegetable basket are crying for some attention. These saffron infused sweet potato buns could be a good use of those neglected ones 🙂 Bookmarking it
Those buns look so sinful Kalyani..I won't mind having it right now!
rolls look amazing – perfect with a cup of soup
Now that I have read your recipe I know what vidya n you were discussing. Such yummy buns. I will love to try them.
Sweet potato rolls look amazing. Soft and beautiful colored rolls. This month, I stayed away from yeast as I was looking for quick bakes. 🙂
Very interesting combination of flavors. Must have tasted great with the soup.
I have baked with sweet potatoes and the bread comes soft. Your bread looks soft and yum
love these flavorful buns baked to perfection and loaded with the goodness of saffron and sweet potatoes.
Sweet potato in dinner rolls is quite interesting here !!! LOve the perfectly baked goodies here as well 🙂
Dinner rolls with sweet potato sounds very interesting and innovative idea Kalyani.They looks delicious and I especially like the golden crust on the top of the rolls.
Dinner rolls look very tempting kalyani, perfect with a warm bowl of soup! i have baked a cake with sweet potatoes, yet to try breads, your post makes me want to try soon!!
Cute should be the perfect word, but it hides so many lovely things in it and simply perfect rolls.