5 from 33 votes

Indulge in a scrumptious snack that is ideal for tea time or any time of day with these bakery-style palya buns. Also called aloo buns or potato buns, these delectable treats are sure to please with their soft, fluffy texture and mouthwatering spiced potato filling. Pair them with a strong cup of South Indian filter coffee or masala chai.

Palya buns served with masala chai on a black surface.

Potato stuffed buns, also called aloo bun, are a type of snack or street food popular in some parts of India. It consists of a spiced potato filling that is sandwiched between a soft, fluffy bun. Aloo buns can be found at roadside food stalls or in bakeries that specialize in savory snacks.

Also called palya buns, these scrumptious treats have been popularized by Iyengar Bakery. They are so irresistible that one cannot help but crave more. Palya refers to 'vegetables sautéed with spices' in Kannada, which is generally served as a side dish. In this dish, a potato palya is stuffed into a bun and baked to perfection.

At first glance, these buns might seem ordinary, but with the first bite, you realize they are nothing like a plain bun. The soft, fluffy buns, brimming with a delicately seasoned potato filling, create an enchanting melody in your mouth. Also, check out my full collection of delicious Indian potato recipes.

Why you will love this recipe?

Flavorful filling: The potato filling is mildly spiced with a balanced combination of seasonings that enhance the flavor of the potato.
Soft and fluffy texture: These potato buns are soft and fluffy, and easy to make.
Versatile: The potato filling can be modified to include other vegetables, making it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit individual preferences.

Palya buns placed in a steel baking tray.

Ingredients

There are two components to make the palya bun - the potato stuffing and the bun itself.

Stuffing: The stuffing is made with potatoes, peas, onions, and spices. I used boiled and lightly mashed potatoes to make it. I also add some lemon juice to it, giving it a perfect tang.

Bun: The bun is made with all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and yeast.

How to make potato-filled buns

Make the filling

Step 1: Boil the potatoes and lightly mash them. The mash shouldn’t have any big lumps in it, and at the same time, have a little bit of small chunkey bite (image 1).

Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan or kadhai. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili, turmeric powder, and ginger. Saute for a minute. Add onion and fry until they are translucent (image 2).

Step 3: Add potatoes, boiled peas, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix well and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice and cilantro. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool down completely (images 3 and 4).

Make the dough

Step 4: Heat the milk (or plant-based milk) until it is warm. Add yeast and sugar and mix well. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt together. Add melted butter (or olive oil) and milk-yeast mixture (image 5).

Step 5: Gradually add water and combine the dough. Transfer onto a flat surface and knead it gently until the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable (8-10 minutes). Cover the bowl with a cling wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour (image 6).

Step 6: The dough will be almost double in size after resting. Punch the dough to remove the trapped air. Knead again for 2-3 minutes. Divide into 8 equal parts (images 7 and 8).

Shape and bake

Step 7: Preheat oven to 360 F (180 C) for 15 minutes. Take one part of the dough and spread it into a small disc using your hands. Place 2 tablespoons of the potato filling in the center (image 9).

Step 8: Bring all the ends of the dough together, tuck, and seal completely (image 10).

Step 9: Carefully place the bun on a lined baking tray making sure the tucked side is facing down. Repeat for the rest of the dough (images 11 and 12).

Baked potato buns. — Perfectly baked potato buns

Step 10: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the bun is golden brown. Remove from oven and brush some butter on top.

Expert Tips

Choose the right type of potatoes to make the filling. Russet or Yukon Golds work best for these potato buns. Also, ensure that the boiled potatoes are lightly mashed and free of large lumps while still retaining some small chunks for texture.

Don't overwork the dough. When making the dough for the buns, be careful not to overwork it as this can result in tough buns. Mix the ingredients until just combined and knead the dough gently.

Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the buns. This will help ensure even baking and a golden brown crust. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with butter to add extra flavor and moisture.

When shaping the dough around the potato filling, make sure to seal it tightly and place the sealed side down on the baking tray to achieve a smooth finish on the buns.

Close up of palya bun showing the inner filling.

More potato recipes

If you tried this Palya Bun / Aloo Bun Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it went in the ? comments below.

Bakery-Style Potato Buns (Palya Buns)

Why you will love this recipe?

Ingredients