Soft Potato-Filled Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Warm milk: 150 ml
• Dry yeast: 4 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Chicken egg: 1 (plus 1 egg white)
• Yogurt or kefir: 50 ml
• Vegetable oil: 50 ml
• Flour: 440 g (total)
• Salt: 7 g

For the Filling:

• Potatoes: 700 g (about 3 potatoes)
• Salt: 1/2 tablespoon

Steps to Make Soft Potato-Filled Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. Combine yeast, warm milk, and sugar: In a bowl, mix 150 ml of warm milk with 4 g of dry yeast and 8 g of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the yeast and sugar.
   • Tip: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot), around 37°C (98°F), to activate the yeast properly. Hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
2. Let the yeast bloom: Set the mixture aside for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 chicken egg, 1 egg white, 50 ml of yogurt (or kefir), and 50 ml of vegetable oil. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Combine with yeast mixture: Pour the whisked egg mixture into the yeast mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare and Knead the Dough

1. Sift the flour: In a large mixing bowl, sift 400 g of flour and add 7 g of salt. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour mixture using a spatula.
   • Tip: Add the flour in parts, so the dough is easier to handle and knead.
2. Add remaining flour: Once the dough starts coming together, sift the remaining 40 g of flour onto a clean surface.
3. Knead by hand: Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and knead with your hands for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Form the dough ball: Shape the dough into a smooth ball.
5. First rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with cling film, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. The dough should roughly double in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Filling

1. Peel and slice the potatoes: Peel and cut 3 potatoes (700 g total) into even slices for uniform cooking.
2. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato slices in a pot of salted water (1/2 tablespoon of salt) and boil until they are soft and easily mashable.
3. Drain and mash: Once boiled, drain the potatoes and mash them. Season with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough

1. Punch down the dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air and knead briefly.
2. Divide the dough: Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how many individual breads you want. A typical size is around 8-10 pieces.
3. Flatten and fill: Roll each dough portion into a flat disc and place a spoonful of the mashed potato filling in the center.
4. Seal the dough: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to fully enclose the potato mixture. Shape the filled dough balls into smooth rounds.
5. Second rise: Place the filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover them with a clean towel, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the bread: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
3. Cool before serving: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Calcium: 30 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! While mashed potatoes are a classic filling, you can use other savory fillings like cheese, spinach, or ground meat. You could also opt for a sweet filling like fruit jam or sweetened ricotta.

2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

3. How long does the bread stay fresh?
The bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, the texture may be slightly denser.

5. How can I make the dough rise faster?
To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, such as inside an oven with the light on or near a warm window. Avoid overly hot environments, which can affect the yeast activity.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato-Filled Bread

1. Check the yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and active by blooming it in warm milk. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, discard it and start again with new yeast.
2. Don’t rush the kneading: Proper kneading ensures the dough becomes smooth and elastic, resulting in fluffy bread.
3. Let the dough rise properly: Patience is key! Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. Rushing this step will result in dense bread.
4. Customize the filling: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. You can also experiment with adding caramelized onions or mushrooms.
5. Brush with butter: For an extra glossy and flavorful crust, brush the tops of the bread with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you plan to keep the bread for longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore freshness.
• Freezing: To freeze the bread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-lock bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

This soft potato-filled bread is a delightful fusion of fluffy bread dough and a savory mashed potato filling. The perfect combination of creamy, buttery potatoes encased in a soft, warm bread makes this recipe a favorite for family dinners, picnics, or as a snack. Easy to customize and simple to make, it’s a versatile recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy these delicious bread rolls with soups, salads, or even as a standalone dish!