Bun Pao (Bun Maska)

Picture a big cafe with rustic chairs and tables covered with gingham cloth and a glass top covering the menus, tall ceilings with old dusty fans, chaotic chatter, tea cakes, buns and chai...this, our dear readers, is the description of Mumbai's Irani Cafes. Long before the fancy cafes and coffee shops, Irani cafes were the place to meet for some gupshup, chai, and bakery items. Often found here, is the iconic Bun-maska (soft pavs loaded with butter). Pair this with masala chai to enjoy one of Bombay's favorite breakfasts. Recipe below!

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Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (yields 3):

2 cups flour

3 tsp milk powder

2 tbsp butter

½ cup tutti-fruity or dried papaya (chopped finely)

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp salt

¾ cup warm water

2 tbsp hot water

2 tsp yeast

2tbsp milk

How to make?

Step 1:

Add hot water and yeast in a bowl. Mix well and allow to sit for approximately 10 minutes or until the mixture foams.

Step 2 :

Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk the dry ingredients - flour, milk powder, sugar, and salt and set aside.

Step 3:

Once the yeast is activated (the mixture will rise), add the dry ingredients followed by warm water and knead well until you have a a soft and smooth ball of dough.

Step 4:

Make a well in the dough and add the tutti-fruity and butter. Knead until soft.

Step 5:

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place till the dough doubles in size.

Step 6:

Once it doubles, lightly punch the dough, and knead softly into a ball again. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7:

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide the dough into 3 equal parts.

Step 8:

Roll out each part of the dough into smaller rolls. Set aside.

Step 9:

Prepare your baking pan by greasing it with butter or oil. Place all the rolls in the pan.

Step 10:

Cover the baking pan with a damp kitchen towel and place it in a warm place for about 15 minutes till it doubles in size.

Step 11:

In the meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350F. Gently brush milk on the paos and place the baking pan in the oven to bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes.

Step 12:

Once the rolls have a rich-brown glaze, take it out of the oven and baste it with some butter.

Step 13:

Slice and spread some butter.

Serve warm with hot chai!