Pizza Buns

ast night I was officially declared food crazy by hubby. We had dinner, tucked our little one into bed, watched some TV and then as we were getting ready to call it a night, this crazy idea struck me. God help me, it was almost close to midnight but I had to make these buns that would be stuffed with pizza sauce and pizza toppings. I call them pizza buns not sure if such a thing even exist. With much excitement I explained the recipe to poor hubby who listened to me with his jaw dropped to the floor. I could see him calling me crazy in the back of his head - not that I cared at the time - I just had to make it. I am sure some of my readers will identify with me (please say yes, its very important for the self-affirmation of my sanity :)
Anyway, believe it or not, the project took a little over an hour and by some insanely ungodly hour we were standing in the middle of the kitchen enjoying the pizza buns. I was so tired I don't even remember what they tasted like but hubby tells me they were awesome as he ate a couple (and he never eats anything that late).

Ingredients:
For the filling -
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce ................... 1/2 cup
Onion ...................................................... 1/2 small very finely chopped
Garlic ...................................................... 2 fat cloves, chopped
Green bell pepper ....................................... 1 small finely chopped
Button mushrooms ....................................... 10 -12 chopped
Fresh basil leaves ........................................ 5 - 6, julienned
Italian seasoning ......................................... 1 tsp
Red chilli powder ....................................... 1 tsp or to taste
Black pepper ............................................. to taste
Corn kernels .............................................. 1/2 cup
Ketchup .................................................... 1 tbsp
Sugar ....................................................... 1/2 tsp
Olive oil ................................................... 1 tbsp
Mozzarella or cheddar cheese .......................... 1/2 cup
Parmesan ................................................... 1 tbsp
Spinach ..................................................... 1/2 cup chopped
Salt .......................................................... to taste

For the buns- makes 14 -15
Whole wheat flour or atta ........................... 11/2 cups
Maida or All purpose flour............................. 11/2 cups
Milk ...................................................... 3/4 + 1/2 (1 1/4 cup) warm
Oil ....................................................... 3 tbsp
Rapid rise yeast ........................................ 1 tbsp
Sugar .................................................... 1 1/2 tbsp
Salt ...................................................... 1 tsp
1/4 cup milk for brushing

Method:
For the filling -
1. In a non-stick pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Add garlic, onion turmeric and salt and cook for 2 - 3 minutes. Add in the mushroom and bell pepper. Cook till done.
2. Add the corn kernels and cook again for 3 - 4 minutes. Add marinara/crushed tomato give a mix. Add the basil leaves, Italian seasoning, red chilli powder, sugar and cook till the sauce thickens to a non-runny consistency.
3. Add in the spinach and both the cheeses and give a quick mix. Simmer for 2 - 3 minutes. The mixture should be pasty in texture and not like a runny sauce. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

For the buns -
1. In a medium bowl mix the yeast, sugar and milk and set aside in a warm place till it becomes frothy about 10 minutes. Add in the salt and oil. Mix.
2. In a large bowl add both the flours mix. Make a well at the center and add the yeast mixture little by little.
3. Combine everything using your hand and start kneading. If the mixture appears to be dry add some water at room temperature. Knead for 5-6 minutes until the dough becomes smooth. While kneading apply some oil on your palm, it helps in kneading and the dough doesn't stick to your hand.
4. Apply oil on top of the dough and cover with a wet kitchen towel and place it in a warm place. Let the dough rise to double its size, about 1 hour.
5. Gently deflate the dough and knead for a minute.
6. Divide the dough into 15-16 equal parts and roll into balls.
7. In a lightly clean floured surface take one portion of the dough and roll in a 4-5 inch disc. Place about 1 tbsp of stuffing in the center and bring the edges to seal. Repeat with all the dough.
8. Brush the tops with milk  of each bun. Cover and let rise for 45 -50 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm brushed with some butter if you like. ENJOY!

Notes:
1. You can add cooked meat or chicken in the filling if you wish for the non vegetarian version.

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