Revive the classic polo bun with a dreamy twist! These Purple Polo Buns, also known as Conchas or Melon Pan, are topped with a crackly, crunchy cookie crust and feature a stunning purple hue from purple potato powder. Perfect for any occasion, these buns are a local favorite and are sure to impress with their unique color and delicious flavor.
Recipe (Yields 10 Buns)
Sweet Stiff Starter:
- 30g sourdough starter
- 90g bread flour
- 40g water
- 15g sugar
Dough Ingredients:
- 230g bread flour
- 20g sugar
- 10g milk powder
- 4g salt
- 15g purple potato powder
- 125g milk
- 50g whipping cream
- 20g unsalted butter
- All of the sweet stiff starter
Fillings:
- 250g purple potato
- 20g sugar
- 30g cooking oil
Crust Dough Ingredients:
- 70g unsalted butter
- 50g icing sugar
- 30g egg
- 120g low protein flour
- 15g milk powder
- 15g purple potato powder
Method
- Prepare the Sweet Stiff Starter:
- Mix sourdough starter, bread flour, water, and sugar. Allow it to triple in volume, about 7-8 hours at 27-28°C.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine bread flour, sugar, milk powder, salt, and purple potato powder in a bowl.
- Add milk, whipping cream, and unsalted butter. Mix until dough comes together.
- Incorporate the sweet stiff starter and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Bulk proof the dough for 2 hours at 28°C.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- Boil or steam the purple potatoes until tender. Mash them well.
- Mix mashed potatoes with sugar and cooking oil. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the Crust Dough:
- Cream unsalted butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and mix well.
- Combine low protein flour, milk powder, and purple potato powder, then fold into the butter mixture to form a dough.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 10 equal portions. Flatten each portion and place a spoonful of the purple potato filling in the center. Shape into a ball.
- Place each filled dough ball onto a baking sheet.
- Divide the crust dough into 10 portions and flatten each portion. Place on top of the dough balls.
- Proof and Bake:
- Proof the shaped buns for 1.5-2 hours at 28°C.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the crust is crackly.
Enjoy these beautiful and flavorful Purple Polo Buns fresh from the oven!