Golden Pan Buns

1. Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons of lukewarm water and leave it to stand until foamy. It takes about 5-10 minutes. If it is not foamy, start with new yeast.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 grams of plain flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices and herbs.

Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add 35 millilitres of olive oil, 175 millilitres of lukewarm water, and the activated yeast mixture.

Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface for kneading.

Knead the dough with your hands until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it so that all sides are coated with oil.

Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rise for an hour, or until it doubles in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen.

3. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has doubled in size, place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and knead it a few times with your hands. Divide the dough into 8-9 equal portions. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a circle about 1 cm (0.39”) thick.

4. Cook

Heat a non-stick frying pan over low heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of olive oil. A pastry brush or lightly greased kitchen towel works well for this.

Once the pan is hot, place the shaped buns in the pan, leaving some space between them. Brush the upper side of the buns with a little olive oil.

Cover the pan with a lid and cook the buns for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Check the doneness before turning the buns. They should be golden brown on the bottom. Flip the buns over, brush the tops with a little more olive oil, cover, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the second side is also golden brown.

5. Serve

Once the buns are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. These Golden Pan Buns are best enjoyed warm, but are also delicious at room temperature.

Serve them on their own, or use them as a unique base for your favourite sandwiches. These buns make an excellent side dish for soups and stews, adding a flavourful touch to your meal.

Tips for Perfect Golden Pan Buns

Temperature Control: Cooking the buns over low heat ensures they cook evenly without burning. If the heat is too high, the buns may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining doughy on the inside.

Yeast Activation: Always check the expiration date of your yeast and make sure your water is lukewarm. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, while water that is too cold will not activate it properly.

Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough and gives the buns their structure and chewy consistency. Don’t rush this process.

Rising Time: For light and airy buns, it is important that the dough can rise sufficiently. If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm environment by preheating your oven to the lowest setting, then turning it off and placing the covered bowl in with the oven door slightly ajar.

Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Fresh herbs can also be used, although the amount will need to be increased as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavour.

Variations

Garlic and Rosemary Buns: Replace the turmeric and curry powder with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary.

Cheesy Buns: Add 50 grams of grated cheese to the dough to give it a cheesy touch. Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Parmesan are well suited.

Sweet Buns: Omit the turmeric and curry powder and add 2 tablespoons sugar and a teaspoon cinnamon for a sweet version of these buns.

Serving Suggestions

Sandwiches: Use the buns as a base for your favourite sandwiches. Fill them with grilled vegetables, meat, or cheese for a delicious meal.

Side Dish: Serve as a tasty and filling side dish to soups, stews, or salads.

Breakfast Buns: Enjoy the buns with a spread of butter and jam for a delicious breakfast treat.

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Conclusion

Golden Pan Buns are a delicious addition to any meal, offering a unique blend of flavours and textures. Enriched with olive oil and a blend of herbs and spices, these buns are versatile and easy to make. Whether on their own, as a sandwich base, or as a side dish, they bring a touch of homemade deliciousness to your table. Follow this comprehensive guide to make your own golden, flavourful buns and enjoy the culinary journey they offer.