- Combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add lukewarm milk and water to form a sticky dough.
- Knead in butter for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let rise, covered, for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, knead for 2-3 minutes, then divide into 6 equal balls.
- Shape balls into oval shapes and create lengthwise dents using a spatula. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Steam sweet corn with salt until tender.
- Mix cooked corn, capsicum (bell pepper), chili, herbs, and butter in a bowl.
- Brush buns with milk wash, top with corn mixture, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. Brush with melted butter before serving.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:32 mg40%
- Sugar:4 mg8%
- Salt:300 g25%
- Fat:8 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Sweet Corn Bun Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Savory Buns
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a tasty snack that’s a little different from the usual. These sweet corn buns are exactly that. I first stumbled upon a version of these at a local bakery, and I knew I had to try making them at home. They’re fluffy, savory, and just a little bit sweet – a total crowd-pleaser! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your average buns. They’re soft, subtly sweet, and packed with a flavorful corn and veggie filling. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon tea, or even as a side with your favorite Indian curry. Honestly, they disappear fast in my house! They’re also a great way to get the kids involved in baking – shaping the buns is super fun.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious sweet corn buns:
- 1.5 cup All-purpose flour (192g)
- 1 teaspoon Instant yeast (3g)
- 0.25 cup Milk (60ml)
- 0.25 cup Water (60ml)
- 3 tablespoon Butter (42g), plus extra for brushing
- 0.75 teaspoon Salt (4g)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (12g)
- 1.5 cup Sweet corn (170g)
- 3 tablespoon Capsicum (finely chopped) (30g)
- 1 Birds eye chilli (finely chopped – adjust to your spice preference!)
- 0.25 teaspoon Italian herb mix (1g)
- 0.25 cup Mozzarella cheese (30g), grated
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things can make or break this recipe.
- Flour: I’ve used all-purpose flour here because it gives the buns a lovely soft texture. You can use wheat flour (atta) for a slightly healthier version, but the texture will be a bit denser.
- Yeast: Instant yeast is super convenient – you don’t need to activate it beforehand. If you’re using active dry yeast, make sure to bloom it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, and it melts beautifully. But if you’re a paneer fan (like my grandma is!), feel free to crumble about ¼ cup of paneer over the corn mixture before baking. It adds a lovely Indian touch!
- Chilli: Birds eye chillies pack a punch! Feel free to reduce the quantity or use a milder chilli like a green chilli if you prefer less heat.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a good mix.
- Gradually add the lukewarm milk and water, mixing until a sticky dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy – that’s normal!
- Now for the fun part: add the butter. Knead it into the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Knead it for another 5 minutes, then divide it into 6 equal balls.
- Shape each ball into a smooth round. Then, using a spatula or your fingers, create a lengthwise dent on top of each bun. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- While the buns are resting, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Steam the sweet corn with a pinch of salt until it’s tender – about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked corn, chopped capsicum, finely chopped chilli, Italian herbs, and a tablespoon of butter.
- Brush the tops of the buns with a little milk wash (milk brushed lightly over the surface). This gives them a beautiful golden color.
- Spoon the corn mixture generously over the dent on each bun.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finally, brush the tops of the buns with a little melted butter before serving. This adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor!
Expert Tips
- Don’t over-knead the dough, or the buns will be tough.
- Make sure the milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, or you’ll kill the yeast.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can microwave the corn with a tablespoon of water for a few minutes.
Variations
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the milk with plant-based milk. Skip the mozzarella or use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You might need to add a little extra liquid to get the right consistency.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Use a milder chilli or remove the chilli altogether for a milder flavor. You could also add a pinch of red chilli powder to the corn mixture for extra heat.
- Festival Adaptation: These buns are perfect for Diwali or Christmas! They make a great savory snack alongside all the sweets.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet corn buns are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. They’re delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of chutney or raita. My family loves them with a cup of masala chai!
Storage Instructions
Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQs
What type of flour is best for these buns?
All-purpose flour gives the best texture, but you can use wheat flour for a slightly denser bun.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the buns.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.
What is a milk wash and why is it used?
A milk wash is simply brushing the buns with milk before baking. It gives them a beautiful golden color and a slightly shiny finish.
Can I add other vegetables to the corn filling?
Definitely! Chopped carrots, peas, or even potatoes would be delicious additions.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the buns?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough, or add a pinch of salt to the corn mixture to balance the sweetness.