Stuffed Masala Buns

April 25, 2013mayurisjikoni
Blog post

What are Stuffed Masala Buns?

Stuffed Masala Buns are simply home baked buns that are filled with a mixture of mixed masala vegetables. The bread dough is stuffed with the masala vegetables and then baked.

What Stuffing you can use?

I usually add peas, carrot, potatoes, onion. If I have sweet corn, green beans, kidney beans, I add that too. Started added paneer when the use to bake the buns for them. Basically, you can use any vegetables that you like.

Memories

When the kids were growing up, going to the beach every weekend, going to Nairobi by train during the school holidays was the norm. Every weekend I would take them to the beach, they would swim in the sea, build sand castles, they would have their ‘dinner’ and during the ride back home, fall asleep in the car. Usually carried food that did not require any heating up. Stuffed Masala Buns was one of them. Sometimes it would be cheese, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, dhokra, handvo, dhebra or thepla with milk or yogurt. Train journeys from Mombasa to Nairobi and back back then were little adventures for the kids. The train would leave Mombasa exactly at 7p.m. and reach Nairobi in the morning around 8a.m. For my kids, a train journey was like a big picnic. I would have to carry a variety of snacks for them. Stuffed masala buns was one of them. Early morning as we would approach Nairobi, we would see giraffes, zebras, ostrich, baboons, buffalos, antelopes, etc.

Present Time:

The present day train journey now takes about 5 hours. No more overnight journeys, which I miss so much. Having said that, sometime back when hubby and I travelled to Nairobi by train, I baked these stuffed masala buns to enjoy during our journey. We did have the option of buying lunch aboard but opted for home made food. Occasionally, I bake these buns to enjoy on their own or to have them with some plain soup.

Some more Bun recipes to check out

Steamed Bao Buns – enjoy them like a sandwich with your favorite filling.

Mangalore Buns – though not baked, these fried version of the speciality from Karnataka State buns are very delicious.

Siddu/Sidku – a speciality from Himachal Pradesh, the bread dough is stuffed with poppy seed walnut mixture or vegetables, or sweet filling and steamed. Its usually enjoyed as a snack.

Turkish Kahvalti Buns – with nigella seeds these buns are usually served at breakfast.

Vegetable Masala Buns – the dough is smeared with a green chutney, vegetable stuffing is added and shaped like a scroll.

Coconut Buns/Chinese Cocktail Buns – stuffed with coconut and so so delicious.

Chocolate Orange Swirl Buns – ideal brunch or tea time treat

Cemita Buns – Mexican buns used for sandwiches

Maritozzi Con La Panna – Roman Cream buns, an Italian speciality, the sweet buns are filled with whipped cream.

Iyengar Bakery Style Khara Buns – these are so famous in Bangalore, sold in almost all the Iyengar style bakeries.

Wholemeal Cheese Bombs – Renu has stuffed bread dough with mozzarella and baked them. Perfect for cheese lovers.

 

The Dough:

Initially, I was using plain or all purpose flour but nowadays use a mixture of plain flour and wheat flour.

 

Ingredients required for the Stuffed Masala Buns:

Flours – plain flour, all purpose flour, bread flour and wheat flour for the bread dough and for dusting.

Oil – for adding to the bread dough, also for preparing the masala and greasing

Milk – for the bread dough

Salt – for the bread dough and the masala

Sugar – a little required for the bread dough

Dry active yeast – I use the instant variety. If you use dry active yeast, you will need to activate it by letting it ferment in warm water for 10 minutes or till the mixture becomes frothy.

Mixed Vegetables – like peas, carrots, potatoes, sweet corn, French beans, onion, garlic, etc

Spices – like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, fresh ginger, green chillis, clove powder, cinnamon powder, coriander powder

Lemon juice – for the stuffing

Asafetida – hing. A little for the stuffing. However, this ingredient is optional.

Fresh coriander – chopped for the stuffing or filling

Paneer – cut into tiny cubes. Optional ingredient.

 

Dietary Tips:

  • Vegetarian
  • For Vegan version omit milk and paneer. Replace milk with water or any vegan friendly milk.

 

 

 

STUFFED MASALA BUNS

Homemade Stuffed Masala Buns are filled with curried vegetables and baked. Ideal food for picnics or to enjoy with soups and salads.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 8 buns

Ingredients
  

FOR THE BREAD DOUGH:

  • 2 cups wholewheat flour
  • 1 cup plain flour or bread flour
  • 2 tsp instant active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water or milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • extra oil for greasing
  • extra flour for dusting

FOR THE VEGETABLE STUFFING/FILLING:

  • ½ cup boiled or steamed peas
  • ¼ cup sweet corn
  • ¼ cup peeled and diced carrot
  • ½ cup peeled and diced potatoes
  • ½ cup tiny cubes of paneer
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • ½ - 1 tsp green chilli paste
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ¼ tsp clove powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • generous pinch of asafetida if using any
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh chopped coriander

TOPPING:

  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1-2 tbsp seasame seeds

Instructions
 

PREPARATION OF THE BREAD DOUGH:

  • Mix the flours, salt, sugar, cumin seeds and yeast in a mixing bowl.
  • Add oil and rub into the flour.
  • Add warm water or milk and bring together the mixture into a dough.
  • Dust the worktop with some flour. Transfer the dough on to the worktop.
  • Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes till its smooth. If you use the dough kneading machine then allow it to knead for 5-7 minutes.
  • Shape into a ball.
  • Grease the bowl with some oil. Rub some oil all over the dough too.
  • Place the dough in the greased bowl. Cover and put in a warm place.
  • Allow the dough to ferment till its double the size. Mine took 1 hour 15 minutes.

PREPARATION OF THE VEGETABLE STUFFING/FILLING:

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add mustard and cumin seeds.
  • As soon as the seeds begin to sizzle or pop, add chopped onion and asafetida.
  • Stir fry the onion till its soft.
  • Add chopped garlic and stir fry for a few seconds.
  • Add ginger and chilli paste. Add turmeric powder and mix well.
  • Add the vegetables and salt.
  • Lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid.
  • Allow the vegetables to cook for 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir the vegetables. If the vegetables begin to stick to the pan, add about 1-2 tbsp water.
  • Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes. Take the pan off the heat.
  • Add sugar, clove, cinnamon, coriander powders, lemon juice and chopped coriander.
  • Mix well. Allow the stuffing or filling to cool down completely.

PREPARATION OF STUFFED MASALA BUNS:

  • Deflate the risen dough by gently knead it a bit.
  • Grease a baking tray with some oil or line it with parchment paper.
  • Dust the worktop with flour.
    Shape the dough into a ball, roll it out a bit into a 5-6 inches diameter circle.
  • Cut the dough into 8 pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a ball.
  • Roll one piece of dough ball into a 4-5 inch diameter circle.
  • Put about 2 tbsp filling in the middle.
  • Gather up the sides, pinch and close the dough.
  • Shape into a round ball.
  • Place the stuffed dough ball on the prepared baking tray.
  • Repeat the above steps with the remainder dough balls and stuffing.
  • Cover the stuffed buns with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise for 30-45 minutes. It depends on how warm yoru kitchen is. Colder place may take a longer time. Basically, allow it to ferment till nearly double in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Brush the bun tops with some milk.
  • Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds.
  • Put the baking tray with the risen buns in the oven.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or till the tops are golden brown in colour.
  • Remove the tray from the oven.
  • Remove the baked buns from the tray and allow them to cool down a bit on a wire rack.
  • Enjoy the buns with some sauce, with your favourite salad or soup.
Keyword home baked bread, vegetable stuffed buns

Pin for Later:

A little request:

If you do try this recipe then please either

  • add a comment below,
  • send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
  •  tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
  • or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962

 

 

 

33 Comments

  • Chef Mireille

    August 22, 2020 at 11:40 pm

    5 stars
    WOW – that masala stuffing is so good on its own by itself. I had trouble not to snack on it while making the bread but even better when stuffed inside this easy to go snack.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 23, 2020 at 11:44 am

      Thanks Mireille. Its the same stuffing I use for making vegetable samosas too. And you’re right, it tastes good on its own and one can adjust the spices according to their taste.

  • LINSY PATEL

    August 23, 2020 at 3:10 am

    possibilities are endless with this masala bun recipe, lovely share

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 23, 2020 at 11:42 am

      Thanks Linsy.

    2. Lata Lala

      August 29, 2020 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      The baked stuffed masala buns have turned out perfect and look so inviting. This is the best way to stuff simple buns with spicy and tasty filling inside them.
      Perfect with hot cup of tea.

      1. mayurisjikoni

        August 29, 2020 at 9:27 pm

        Thank you so much Lata and you’re right stuffed buns a so good as accompaniment to soups and stew.

  • Super duper kitchen

    August 24, 2020 at 11:17 am

    5 stars
    Masala stuffed buns look absolutely delicious. Sometimes I make with potatoes stuffing alone being a potato lover. This is more healthy with mixed vegetables. Loved the beautiful golden colour of the bun and the texture too.

  • Sujata Roy

    August 25, 2020 at 5:18 am

    5 stars
    Stuffed masala bun sounds a delicious snack. I don’t need anything with it. Always made bread yet to try buns. Once made 2-3 small buns with the bread dough but they became hard crust. I will try your recipe for soft crust buns. Wonderful share.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you so much Sujata, the dough for bread and buns is the same, but baking time for buns is less than bread.

      1. Amrita Roy

        August 28, 2020 at 6:49 am

        5 stars
        Till now I have not tried my hands on bread making but I always adore your baking goodies… Loved this famous stuffed masala bun..very well explained recipe

      2. mayurisjikoni

        August 28, 2020 at 4:09 pm

        Thank you so much Amrita.

  • kalyani

    August 25, 2020 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    such delightful buns with all that veg stuffing.. the sesame seeds on top look so inviitng too..

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 25, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you so much Kalyani.

  • Archana

    August 25, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    Now I want both the samosa n the bread. The stuffing is awesome. Sounds great as a sandwich stuffing too. Love it Mayuri

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 25, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks Archana. My family just loves these stuffed buns.

  • Preethicuisine

    August 25, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    Masala buns looks scrumptious. Perfect for picnics and breakfast. I loved the sesame seed studded buns. I am tempted to bake now .

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 25, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Thanks Preethi.

  • Seema Sriram

    August 29, 2020 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    Gorgeous buns here Mayuri di. These will be so good for the lunch boxes as the kids do have to go very early on some days and multiple boxes is getting tedious.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      August 29, 2020 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks Seema, the buns taste good when they are cold but can also be warmed up in a microwave oven.

      1. Bless my food by Payal

        September 2, 2020 at 8:45 pm

        5 stars
        This is an awesome twist to regular masala buns. A detailed post supported by beautiful pictures is enough to drag one to try this amazing recipe. An absolutely amazing post.

      2. mayurisjikoni

        September 4, 2020 at 6:08 pm

        Thank you so much Shailender. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading the post.

  • Pavani

    August 31, 2020 at 2:59 am

    5 stars
    Wow, those stuffed buns look so so good. Love the golden crust and the colorful veggie filling. Your clicks are tempting me to make these ASAP.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 1, 2020 at 10:15 pm

      Thank you so much Pavani and please do bake them, am sure your family will enjoy them.

  • Padma Veeranki

    September 4, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    The baked stuffed masala buns have turned out so perfect in texture and they look so inviting. The filling is so yummy and I can imagine how the buns must have tasted….Perfect with a cup of coffee!!…Pure bliss!!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 5, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you so much Padma. Yes pure bliss with coffee, tea or even soup.

  • Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    September 5, 2020 at 8:29 am

    5 stars
    These are one of my favorite buns ever and I can eat these any time of the day. Like you said these are the best snack to carry for small trips. I love reading about your travel experience and reminds me of my childhood days.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 5, 2020 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you so much Sandhya. With no travel or picnics this year, when I made them had to pretend that we’re having a picnic in our apartment 🙂

  • Sapana

    September 5, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    I find it difficult to make even the plain buns and here you have made them stuffed. They look so perfect and love the sesame seeds topping. Bookmarking to try soon!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 5, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you so much Sapana.. am sure you’ll make them perfectly when you make them.

  • Jagruti’s Cooking Odyssey

    September 5, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    These are fabulous! Ideal for picnic and travels. Loving the spicy and tasty stuffing. Always in our picnic bag while we visit the beach as these are so easy to carry and stays so good when sandwiches become soggy if kept for longer.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 5, 2020 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks Jagruti and that is true sandwiched become soggy and these buns don’t. One can add any filling of their choice.

  • Priya Srinivasan

    September 8, 2020 at 10:22 am

    5 stars
    Wow mayurji those buns look gorgeous! Love that beautiful color and sesame studded top. Hearty filling with veggies and paneer!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      September 8, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      Thank you so much Priya. Perfect as a snack too.

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