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Home » Appetizers & Snacks

Masala Buns - Eggless,Whole Wheat Buns with a Spicy Filling

Published: Aug 27, 2011 · Modified: Nov 12, 2021 by Tanvi · This post may contain affiliate links

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Featured on Foodbuzz Top 9 

Baking is totally sweet.Its therapeutic and always gives me a high.The same is not true when baking with yeast though. I feel that my fears of working with yeast were mostly because of inexperience. The unknown is always baffling.The acme of perfection that I wanted to achieve when handling yeast, mostly met with frustration of it acting foes. My dough would never rise, my yeast would cling to each other and turn into a lumpy mess. Dont even talk about the amount of food I wasted when I wanted to tame it in my own kitchen.The wastage was followed by days of agony. Whenever I wanted to make yeasted breads , I finished making something else. I could not overcome the thought of cups of flour & eggs making their way into the bin.I saw a recipe for a flaky pastry or loaf  in a book, I flipped the page as soon as I read yeast in there. All along my heart felt an overload of running away from the difficult.

Over a period of time, I realized that yeast is not that monstrous as I always guessed it. It needs patience to start with. Half of your battle is won there. The second half is of course practice - lots of it.I am the person who has none of the former but lot of will for the latter. Its like baby steps to learning towards perfecting the fungi. You have to give it attention and love.Even when you knead it, caress it. When it comes to yeast, in my kitchen, my motto is to try simple recipes & make them shine. I dream of baking those perfect  looking breads with visible pores and all. I will make it there someday. Right now, my moment of joy is when my mini buns and rolls fluff up in the warm weather I m blessed with these days  -  so far so good 🙂

I mentioned in my previous post that "Masala" is a generic term for anything spicy in Indian cuisine. Well, on similar lines, masala buns are buns with a spicy filling. I first tasted them in one of the bakeries near my college.I dont even remember how many books I have crammed eating these little beauties...oh boy..did I tell you that they give best(est) company to a cup of sweet masala chai. P calls the combo "double masala" ...and it sure is. Spicy filling cushioned within doughy wrap along with sips of sweetish spiced up chai - yum!

I have tried to make these spicy savory buns in the healthiest way possible - using durum atta (whole wheat flour) which is the variety of flour rich is wheat bran.You can get it in indian stores and read about it here. I added Kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)  & ajwain (carrom) which are super aromatic indian flavorings if you can lay your hands on them, else add some fennel or cumin seeds. By the way, Kasuri methi is something which is the secret behind those aromatic indian butter chicken and other curries- It lasts forever in the kitchen so you might wanna stock up! Fill the buns with anything you want, I filled them with a spicy potato & vegetable filling. These eggless buns are great for breakfast or casual snacking. These buns can be baked in advance & pair up with indian tomato soup to make a lazy day brunch.


Method:-

Ingredients (Makes 12-14 buns)

For the buns:-

  • 1.5 cup durum atta (whole wheat flour)
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ajwain (carrom seeds)
  • 1.5 tsp kasuri methi, fine crushed between palms (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoon olive oil (substitute with melted unsalted butter)
  • 1.5 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup luke warm milk
  • ½ cup luke warm water (or as required for kneading the dough)
  • Melted unsalted butter for brushing 
  • Flour for dusting

For the filling :- (Makes 1.5  cups)

  • 2 medium boiled potatoes, slightly mashed (but with little chunks)
  • ½ cup colored bell peppers of choice, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen green peas
  • 2 scallions, white & green parts chopped separated
  • 1 fat garlic clove, grated
  • 3 - 4 Thai green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to tolerance)
  • ¼ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala 
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
Method:-
  • In a bowl, add the flours along with crushed kasuri methi. Sift this flour mix once. Add ajwain (carrom seeds) to the sifted flour and set aside.
  • Dissolve sugar in luke warm milk, add yeast and set aside till frothy. Note:-If you dont see foam within 30 seconds of dissolving the yeast,discard the mix & restart.
  • While the yeast is frothing, in a large bowl (enough to hold doubled up dough after rise), tip in the salt.Top it up with sifted flour, olive and foamy yeast paste [ in this order].
  • Start mixing in lukewarm water till everything comes together. Note :- Start with ¼ cup of water to begin with. Once a loose dough ball starts to come together, transfer the dough to a floured surface, and continue kneading for 5-8 minutes till you get a soft, elastic dough.While kneading , if you feel that the dough is on the dry side, add a tablespoon (s)of water, if you feel it sticky, add some flour to bring it together.
  • Brush some oil on all sides of the bowl, and once kneaded, transfer the dough back to the bowl.Brush some oil on the top of the dough ball, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm, dry place for 1-1.5 hours to rise.
While the Dough is rising 
Make the Masala/Spicy Filling:- 
  • In a pan, heat up the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped white parts of scallions and saute for 4-5 minutes on high.
  • Next, add the garlic along with chopped green chillies.Saute for 30 seconds or till you smell the aroma.
  • Next add all the vegetables along with salt to taste, mix well &  reduce heat to medium and let cook for 10 minutes, uncovered till the peppers and peas are tender.
  • Remove from heat and while still hot, add the chopped green scallion parts, cumin powder, garam masala and lemon juice.Mix well and set aside to cool.
Stuffing the buns & Baking:-
 
Line a baking/cookie sheet with parchment. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead again for 3-4 minutes on a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls.Roll out each ball using a rolling pin into a 2" circle. Spoon about 1.5 tablespoon of Masala filling into the centre of each dough circle and pinch all sides to make a stuffed dough ball.Smear the pinched ball all over with oil and line on the baking sheet, pinched side down. Line the balls atleast 3 " away from each other so that they do not touch each other when they rise. You may use more than 1 baking sheet (if required) to line the dough balls.Let rise in a warm place for 15 more minutes.

While the stuffed balls are rising, preheat oven to 375 F/190 C.Bake the risen balls for 13-15 minutes or till they are light brown in color and you smell the aroma of baked dough & kasuri methi.Mine took 15 minutes. Once light brown, brush melted butter on the balls and bake for another 3-4 minutes till the tops turn golden brown.Pull out the baking sheet and using a pair of tongs, transfer the baked buns to the cooling rack. Cool slightly and serve warm with tomato ketchup. mango mint chutney, green chutney & masala chai.

 
Enjoy & Thanks for stopping by!

More Appetizers & Snacks

  • Schezwan Paneer Tart
  • Hariyali Chicken
  • Spicy Garlic Wings
  • Shishito Pepper Pakora (Fritters)

Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Breads & Flatbreads Tagged With: Easy Recipe, eggless baking, eggless breads, eggless buns, Fats and Oils/Tel, garlic, Green Chilli, Green Chillies, healthy recipe, indian baked breads, indian baking recipes, Indian breads, indian food, indian food blogs, indian spices, indian vegetarian, indian yeasted breads, khara breads, masala bun recipe, masala buns, Milk and Milk Products, north indian recipes, Recipe from blogs, Salt/Namak, Spices & Seasonings/Masaale, spicy filling, spicy recipe, whole wheat a, whole wheat buns, yeast, yeast buns, yeasted stuffed buns

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa H.

    August 27, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    Lovely n beautiful masala buns... I could eat quite a few of these... 🙂

    Reply
  2. [email protected]

    August 27, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    these will make an amazing snack. and some very lovely clicks!

    -Richa

    Reply
  3. Nags

    August 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    these are gorgeous and oh so chubby! i have bookmarked it, must try soon 🙂

    Reply
  4. Junia @ Mis Pensamientos

    August 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    i love baked goods with fillings! this looks fabulously delicious with the masala flavored filling!! 😀 perfect round bread buns too!

    Reply
  5. Asiya

    August 27, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    These look so tasty! Can't wait to give them a try!

    Reply
  6. Anita Menon

    August 27, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    These buns have totally piqued my interest. I HAVE TO TRY THEM.

    Reply
  7. Kulsum at JourneyKitchen

    August 27, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    I can't believe this - I made something exactly similar few weeks back. Except I used pav bhaji as inspiration and filling had pav bhaji masala etc Wow we do think alike 🙂 Looking great Tanvi. Thanks for sending your entry for mingle!

    Reply
  8. Sukaina

    August 27, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    I'm glad you've gotten over your initial fears of baking and yeast! These buns look so appetising especially in Ramdhan when you can just keep popping them into your mouth!

    Reply
  9. cookrepublic

    August 28, 2011 at 1:14 am

    This is lovely! I must try this ASAP. Thanks for sharing Tanvi!

    Reply
  10. thefooddoctor

    August 28, 2011 at 1:26 am

    I love baking...and I can only imagine the smell that fells the house while these bake
    heavenly!

    Reply
  11. chinmayie @ love food eat

    August 28, 2011 at 1:31 am

    WOW! Those buns look so good! I am a great fan of potato/masala buns but never attempted bakign them at home, now I will!

    Reply
  12. yasmeen (wandering spice)

    August 28, 2011 at 1:33 am

    Oh wow, I need to get in on this double masala business. These look absolutely gorgeous, and thanks for sharing chai recipe too, as I've been looking for a good one!

    Reply
  13. Sanjeeta kk

    August 28, 2011 at 1:49 am

    The buns look so yum..with the filling!

    Reply
  14. Anna Johnston

    August 28, 2011 at 4:36 am

    Love your buns. Teehee. And I totally agree about baking being therapeutic. I spent the entire day cooking today. Was soooo much fun. Love your recipes, they are always so adventurous. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Rosa May (@RosasYummyYums)

    August 28, 2011 at 6:08 am

    Marvelous buns! What a lovely filling. I bet they taste great.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  16. [email protected]

    August 28, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Beautiful! Love the savoury spicy filling.

    Reply
  17. chopinandmysaucepanc

    August 28, 2011 at 7:27 am

    I like the one where you have taken a nice bite out of it! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Tanvi

    August 28, 2011 at 8:27 am

    Thanks everyone for stopping by!

    Reply
  19. Nadia

    August 28, 2011 at 8:28 am

    yum, tanvi! i can totally relate to how your mom didn't bake - my mom wasn't much of one either. i have the same fears of baking that you had - especially with bread! these looks so good, like i said in my tweet with garam garam chai and plenty of chili garlic sauce for dipping. 🙂

    Reply
  20. wizzythestick

    August 28, 2011 at 9:50 am

    What lovely stuffed bread rolls these wold be perfect too for my kids lunch boxes

    Reply
  21. Annapet (@thedailypalette)

    August 28, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I really hope you have a book coming up because I like the book I won, but I think your recipes and photos are absolutely THE BOMB [or it is spelled da bomb?] ;-).

    Yes, please try fresh figs.

    Reply
  22. Yuri

    August 28, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Gorgeous buns, loving the generous amount of filling 🙂

    Reply
  23. Vegan Miam

    August 28, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Wow, that's soooo delicious. I have never seen eggless masala buns or tried them before in my life, but will try to make them!

    xxx from vienna

    Reply
  24. Kathy Gori

    August 28, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    I cannot wait to make these! Delish!

    Reply
  25. TasteFood

    August 28, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    Beautiful buns - I would love to try these!

    Reply
  26. Kay aka Babygirl

    August 28, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    I love these eggless wheat buns. I just love wheat bread or buns. and the filling just sounds amazing. I love colorful bell peppers.. just makes a dish come alive with color and flavor

    Reply
  27. Priya

    August 28, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Prefectly baked masala buns,looks cute and damn inviting..

    Reply
  28. Snehal

    August 28, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    What a fabulous recipe! I thought it was about the masala-paav we get in Mumbai..but this recipe totally surprised me.

    Reply
  29. magicofspice

    August 28, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    It is the opposite for me, my mom can bake up a storm...me almost nothing. Though she does not really cook, my chef dad took care of that 🙂
    These are simply wonderful, I love the filling and encased in these buns is a pure delight!

    Reply
  30. Shelley

    August 28, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    Well, it certainly looks like you have a handle on baking now. These look terrific! Beautiful pics, as always.

    Reply
  31. yummychunklet

    August 28, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I love the look of these pillowy dough balls and the yummy stuffing. Great post!

    Reply
  32. Ellie | Gourmand Recipes

    August 28, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    These buns look wonderful and they are filled with my favorite masala! Yum!

    Reply
  33. Jennifer (Delicieux)

    August 28, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    Yum Tanvi!!! These look delicious! I've never seen anything like these before.

    Reply
  34. anh

    August 28, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    Your buns look wonderful! I am so happy that the buns look golden even without eggs!

    Reply
  35. Internship in Beijing

    August 28, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Oh wow, What a fabulous recipe! I love these eggless wheat buns. I just love wheat bread or buns. and the filling just sounds amazing.

    Reply
  36. Jamie @ the unseasoned wok

    August 28, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    These remind me a little of char siu bao, but with more kick! I swear I learn something new everytime I visit.

    Reply
  37. Joanne

    August 29, 2011 at 4:20 am

    I think everyone fears yeast when they start baking with it...but after a few attempts, you barely even remember to be afraid! I love the looks of these...it must be so much fun for your taste buds to bite into that delicious filling!

    Reply
  38. Tanvi (@Tanvii)

    August 29, 2011 at 7:09 am

    Very Very Very Hungry NOW!!! 😛

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

    Reply
  39. Faith

    August 29, 2011 at 8:34 am

    What a fabulous recipe Tanvi. Love those cute little buns and the sutffing is amazing.

    Reply
  40. Reem | Simply Reem

    August 29, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    What a fabulous looking buns Tanvi .. Love them, the masala filling Yum Yum Yum....
    I am sure they must have tasted awesome, Hot with cup of chai I am drooling....

    Reply
  41. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com

    August 29, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Fabulous recipe Tanvi. It took me back to my childhood where my mom used to bake stuffed buns similar to these - made with sardines, potatoes, lentils etc. So tasty 🙂

    Reply
  42. Luv'n Spoonfuls

    August 29, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    I love it when food looks both tasty AND adorable...what gorgeous little buns 😉 I love that the dough is healthy, and that it seems very versatile so that you can add just about anything (I'm a fan of the double-chai thing too I think). Gorgeous post!

    Reply
  43. Juliana

    August 29, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Love these little buns, savory and a touch of spice...great pictures as always Tanvi.
    Hope you have a fantastic week 🙂

    Reply
  44. Internship in Beijing

    August 29, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Such a nice post for me. I love your buns. I totally agree about baking being therapeutic. I spent the entire day cooking today. I also Love your recipes.

    Reply
  45. Kathy

    August 29, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    Lovely!
    I like how they look all 'professional' looking, perfectly round and yummy

    -Kathy from http://cupcakes-music-fashion.blogspot.com

    Reply
  46. Sasha @ The Procrastobaker

    August 30, 2011 at 1:47 am

    These look phenomenal!!! I adore stuffed ANYTHING, its the yummy surprise factor that always entertains me! And these sound truly delicious, such a gorgeous recipe indeed 🙂

    Reply
  47. The Yummy Morsel

    August 30, 2011 at 5:17 am

    These buns look verytempting! Beautiful pics to go with it.

    Reply
  48. Debs @ DKC

    August 30, 2011 at 5:23 am

    Fabulous, my kinda food, thanks. Great photos too,

    Reply
  49. Sandi

    August 30, 2011 at 5:44 am

    So professional looking. Great job!

    Reply
  50. Sandi G

    August 30, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Looks very professional, great job!

    Reply
  51. Tanvi

    August 30, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Thanks everyone for the kind words.

    Reply
  52. kitchenbelleicious

    August 30, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Wow, the pictures are amazing and the buns look incredible. I make something similar using chicken and veggies but I am thinking next time I need to try it your way! Awesome. So glad you found my site so I could find yours. I will be a regular for sure

    Reply
  53. Suzi

    August 30, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    These look totally delicious. I am not much of a baker myself but I would love to try these. Love the spicy filling. Thanks
    Suzi

    Reply
  54. Ilke

    August 30, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    Oh Man! Looks so great! I spotted an Indian store around the train stop where I park to go to work. I am going to have to write down these ingredients and definitely try this one. Sounds healthier than samosas!

    Reply
  55. nisha

    August 31, 2011 at 1:46 am

    arent stuffed buns simply the best..i love the options available

    Reply
  56. adam and theresa

    August 31, 2011 at 4:45 am

    Great to find these! I've always made a veg masala and stuffed a bread, but baking it right in the bread is a simpler idea, especially when you want to take it to a picnic or when traveling.

    Reply
  57. Radhika

    August 31, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    OMG Tanvi! These remind me so much of the masala potato buns from Bangalore bakeries.. Those were my staple during college days. Still love them, only difference is I'll have to bake them if I wanna eat 😉
    I can totally relate to your fear of the yeast, the big difference is that I am yet to conquer my fears.. The masala buns look wicked awesome! You've inspired me to bake some now.. 🙂

    Reply
  58. mycookinghut

    August 31, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Oh my... these little buns are really tempting and pretty! Love the idea!

    Reply
  59. Maria @ Scandifoodie

    August 31, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    They look perfect! Love the flavours!

    Reply
  60. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    September 01, 2011 at 1:09 am

    Tanvi, congrats on Top 9! Sorry for my super late congrats... Oh these little round buns are so cute. I feel really attached to round objects such as buns. The dough part is even cuter! But I would eat them....heheh. the potato filling looks delicious as always. Thanks for sharing the story about your fear of yeast - same here. I've tried making bread once before having my 2nd kid (and had more time) but I left with fear.... one day I need to re-try my attempt of making homemade bread!

    Reply
  61. Faith

    September 01, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Hi Tanvi, I just wanted to let you know that I tagged you in my last post! 😉

    Reply
  62. Mia Summer Rose

    September 01, 2011 at 7:11 am

    Baking sure is fantastic in every way u look at it and so are these buns!
    I love how u used wheat flour and well i dont have too many memories of my mom baking either 🙂
    The filling sounds fantastic too and ur pics are pretty as always !

    Reply
  63. [email protected]

    September 01, 2011 at 7:21 am

    I just wanted to gobbling them up by the handfuls!

    Reply
  64. Caroline

    September 01, 2011 at 9:41 am

    Yup, pretty sure I'm drooling over these. They sound amazing, Tanvi! Gorgeous photos, and I love all the colors of the veggies inside the bread. CONGRATS on top 9, by the way! 🙂

    Reply
  65. Sutapa

    September 01, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    Picture perfect Tanvi ! Buns look so cute and love the spicy filling inside!

    Reply
  66. Geni - Sweet and Crumby

    September 02, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Please write a cookbook Tanvi. Pretty please?! These buns look spicy, delectable, fluffy and inhale-worthy. Congratulations on being on top 9! 🙂

    Reply
  67. Radhika @ foodfor7stages

    September 02, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Masala bun is one of my favorite evening snacks at Hotbreads here. They look so appetizing.. Yumm

    Reply
  68. Heavenly Housewife

    September 03, 2011 at 5:30 am

    Gosh, I am sometimes amazed at the consistently beautiful things you post. These are darling and I can tell that they would be absolutely scrumptious. I'd inhale these!
    *kisses* HH

    Reply
  69. Ananda Rajashekar

    September 03, 2011 at 9:17 am

    its same at our home too, i still remember baking cake in cooker, today she was telling me should buy a oven when you are here? and masala bun is my mum's fav, papa gets them from bakery shop, now i can't wait to bake one for her. These are darn adorable! Cuteness on top and pictures can't wait to have you at my space to show off ur pictures he he 😀 happy weekend darling!

    Reply
  70. sini cherian

    September 05, 2011 at 9:23 am

    i love fresh buns and liked this too. do visit my space too, http://www.themasalatrail.com

    Reply
  71. exclusive south indian north indian food in chennai

    September 08, 2011 at 3:21 am

    I have read this post. This post is a nice one that information are useful to me..that am here about exclusive south indian food in chennai and exclusive north indian food in chennai . That I will inform about your post to my friends and all the best for your future posts..

    Reply
  72. spontaneous euphoria

    September 15, 2011 at 6:18 am

    so wonderful! I can imagine what a surprise it must be to bite into these and discover the wonderful filling inside

    Reply
  73. spontaneous euphoria

    September 15, 2011 at 6:19 am

    so beautiful! I can imagine the filling must be such a surprise when you bite into them

    Reply
  74. Gagan

    October 08, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    {love}!!!

    Can't wait to make these--you're right they'll go perfectly with tomato soup! yum.

    Reply
  75. Vinutha

    February 18, 2012 at 4:07 am

    Ur recipe is very tempting...also mouthwatering. as i don't have conventional oven can i bake them in microwave? Will it turnout the same as in the picture?

    Reply
  76. Vinutha

    February 18, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    lovely. looks yummy. wanna try it. i don't have conventional oven. can i bake it microwave?

    Reply
  77. Vinutha

    April 10, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Hi. They look yummy. Can this recipe be tried in microwave?

    Reply
  78. neha

    June 10, 2014 at 7:41 am

    Hi, I wanted to try these for a tea party. Can I use bread flour instead durum wheat?

    Reply
    • Tanvi

      June 10, 2014 at 10:10 am

      I guess it should work but the texture would be different. All I can say is that you will need to increase yeast, oil and water content in the recipe for the right output. I am sorry but I can't help you much here.

      Reply
  79. Komal

    September 21, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Lovely recipe! It would be great if you could also add step by step pictures to the recipes for the yeast novices 🙂

    Reply
  80. maddy

    December 23, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    I made this tonight and it was delicious. Definitely will fix this again.

    Reply

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