Description: Crispy Bottom Veggie Buns are a delicious fusion of soft, fluffy buns with a flavorful veggie filling, served with a delightful crispy crust on the bottom. These buns are made by encasing a savory medley of vegetables in soft dough, then cooking them in a way that creates a perfectly crispy bottom while maintaining a tender, airy texture on the inside. The combination of the soft interior and the crispy bottom gives each bite a satisfying contrast, making it an irresistible treat for any meal or snack.
Key Ingredients:
- Dough: All-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and a bit of oil or butter to enrich the texture.
- Filling: A variety of finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, carrots, peas, corn, or spinach, sautéed with spices like cumin, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Seasoning: Optional fresh herbs like cilantro, green chilies for heat, and a dash of lemon juice for tang.
Directions:
- Prepare the Veggie Filling:
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
- Add in the remaining vegetables and cook until tender. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, then mix well.
- Stir in any optional ingredients like cilantro, chilies, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast and warm water (not too hot) to activate it.
- Mix everything together until it forms a dough, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a disc, place a spoonful of the veggie filling in the center, and fold the edges over to form a sealed bun.
- Shape each bun into a round ball and set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Crisp the Bottom:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Lightly grease the bottom with oil or butter, then place the buns in the skillet.
- Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Transfer the buns to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the buns are fully cooked through.
- Serve:
- Once baked, allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. These buns can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce, like yogurt or chutney.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a bit of grated cheese into the veggie filling before sealing the dough.
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake the buns entirely in the oven, but the crispy bottom will be less pronounced.
- These buns can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.
These Crispy Bottom Veggie Buns make for a savory snack, a great addition to any brunch, or even a delightful vegetarian meal!
