Craving soft, fluffy buns but short on time and oven space? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers unbelievably tender cotton buns without ever needing to preheat your oven. Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, achieved with minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy baking times – these buns are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.
These delectable soft cotton buns are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain, slathered with butter, filled with sweet jams or savory meats, or as the base for delicious sliders. Ready to experience the joy of perfectly soft buns made without an oven? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Measuring cup
- Dhokali or Kadai (steamer)
Ingredients
- Warm water: 1/2 cup
- Sugar powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons
- Active dry yeast: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Wheat flour: 2 cups
- Milk powder: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon
- Odorless oil: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar (optional): 2 1/2 teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture and Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar powder (or sugar), and stir until dissolved.
- Add active dry yeast to the warm sugar water mixture. Cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to activate.
- In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, milk powder, salt, and oil.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Gradually add warm water or milk, kneading until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Add a little oil to the dough, knead again, and form a round ball. Cover and let it rest for an hour to double in size.
Step 2. First Rise and Shaping
- After an hour, gently knead the dough for 1-2 minutes.
- Shape the dough into buns. Place them on parchment paper-lined perforated steamer plates.
Step 3. Steam the Buns
- Steam the buns in a dhokla or kadai for 10-15 minutes on low to medium heat.
Step 4. Finishing Touch
- Once cooked, remove buns and brush with oil, butter, or ghee.
Read more: Easy Indian Bread Pudding Recipe: A Simple Dessert
Tips
- Don't add salt to the yeast mixture initially, as it can kill the yeast.
- Ensure the water/milk used is warm, not hot.
- Kneading the dough well is crucial for soft buns.
- Oil the dough and the steamer to prevent sticking and drying.
- Steam the buns on low to medium heat to avoid cracking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. Avoid using cake flour, as it's too low in protein.
2. How long do these buns stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they'll stay soft for about 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
These soft cotton buns are a testament to the fact that delicious baking doesn't require complex equipment or hours of work. Enjoy the fluffy texture and delightful taste, perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!