Black Tahini Buns

I love black tahini. I had it a few years ago served as a sauce with grilled fish. The bitterness of the tahini complemented the sweetness of the fish. In recent years, I have used black tahini in sauces, hummus, desserts, and now these buns. I served the buns with the oven baked tofu, and the green dressing. Black tahini is made with toasted black sesame seeds. It is less intense in flavor than regular tahini, and is a fun way to experiment with traditional recipes by adding a twist. You can purchase Black Tahini on Amazon.

For the sponge:

• 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

• 1/2 cup water

For the dough:

• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup powdered milk

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 2 eggs

• 3 tablespoons black Tahini

• 3 cups unbleached bread flour

• 1/4 cup of water at room temperature if needed

Egg wash:

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon milk

Yield: 6 buns

Prep Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 30 minutes

1. Make the sponge by placing the flour and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast with the water. Add to the flour mixture. Stir. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to ferment about 1-1.5 hours. After the fermentation time, the sponge should be very foamy and bubbly.

2. Make the dough in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the sugar, salt, milk, butter, oil, and the tahini. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.

3. Add the eggs. Beat for 2 minutes.

4. Add the sponge and the flour. Switch to the hook attachment and mix for 10 minutes on medium speed. Only add water if you feel that the dough is too stiff. The dough should be very soft and pillowy.

5. Transfer the mixture to an oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rest for 3 hours until the dough has doubled in size.

6. Place the dough on a floured work surface. With a dough cutter, divide the dough in 6 pieces. Form into round buns.

7. Place the buns on a well greased baking sheet.

8. Allow the buns to rest for 1-2 hours.

9. Prepare the egg wash by mixing the remaining egg with the milk. Brush on top on the buns.

10. Heat oven to 400°F. Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook the buns for 30 minutes.

11. You can place a thermometer in the center of the bun. If it registers 190°- 200°, its done.