Sweet Pumpkin Buns

To prepare these delicious pumpkin rolls, start by liquefying the yeast by adding a tablespoon of sugar and mixing it with 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk. Cover the mixture and let it rise for 10 minutes in a warm place until it becomes frothy. Meanwhile, prepare the main mixture: grate the pumpkin and mix it with the eggs, the remaining warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla essence. This mixture will give the rolls an unmistakable flavor and a soft texture.

Once the yeast has risen, transfer the pumpkin mixture to a large bowl and add the activated yeast. Sift the flour and add the salt, mixing with a spatula until the ingredients are well incorporated. Knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes until you achieve a homogeneous and elastic composition. Form a ball from the dough and let it rise in a bowl covered with a towel, in a warm place, until it doubles in volume.

After the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Knead it again for a few minutes to remove the air, then roll it into a log. Divide the log into equal pieces, of desired size, and round them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm and, using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make 8-9 cuts around the circumference, leaving the center intact.

Transfer the dough balls to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the cut edges are spaced to allow the rolls to take the desired Turkish pumpkin shape. Gently press your finger in the center of each roll to create an indentation. Let the rolls rise in the tray for another 30 minutes. Once they have risen, brush them with a lightly beaten egg yolk to give them an appetizing golden color.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the rolls for 25-35 minutes, or until they become golden and pass the toothpick test. After removing them from the oven, let the rolls cool for 5 minutes, then insert a quarter of a walnut kernel into the indentation in the middle. Transfer the rolls to a rack to cool completely. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, served warm alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They are also just as delicious when cold, retaining their fluffy texture and aroma for several days. Enjoy every bite!