Taro rolls are a delightful Hawaiian-inspired treat, known for their soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. Made with taro root, which gives the rolls a unique purple hue and slightly nutty flavor, these rolls are perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to your dinner table. They make a wonderful accompaniment to any meal and can also be enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter. The addition of taro creates a moist, tender crumb that sets these rolls apart from traditional bread rolls.
Taro Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked taro root, mashed
- ½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed taro root, the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and milk. Stir until smooth. Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed, but the dough should remain slightly sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round roll and place them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven and prepare egg wash: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash to give them a glossy finish.
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
These taro rolls are perfect for dinner or even as a sweet breakfast treat, offering a beautiful color and delicious flavor that will make any meal special.
