Naga Spice Infused Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional English Hot Cross Buns are transformed into a fiery delight by incorporating Naga chili peppers, a staple ingredient in Naga cuisine. The addition of these chili peppers adds a distinct heat and flavor profile, giving the buns a unique twist that sets them apart from the original version. We alse have the original recipe for Hot Cross Buns, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 100g (3.5 oz) Naga chili peppers, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) Naga chili peppers, finely chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, etc.) 100g (3.5 oz) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, etc.)
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• For the cross: For the cross:
• 75g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour 75g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4-5 tbsp water 4-5 tbsp water
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 3 tbsp apricot jam 3 tbsp apricot jam
• 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 43g, 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped Naga chili peppers, dried fruits, and orange zest to the dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls.
7. 7.
   Place the balls on a greased baking tray, leaving some space between each bun. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to form a thick paste for the cross. Transfer the paste into a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a cross shape on top of each bun.
10. 10.
    Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
12. 12.
    Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the glaze while they are still warm.
13. 13.
    Allow the buns to cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Naga chili peppers — Handle with caution as they are extremely spicy. Use gloves while chopping and avoid touching your face or eyes. Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice tolerance.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Naga chili peppers or substitute them with milder chili varieties.
• For added richness, you can replace the milk with coconut milk.
• Serve the buns warm with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Naga Spice Infused Hot Cross Buns as a delightful breakfast or snack. They are perfect when enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Naga Spice Infused Hot Cross Buns on a platter, ensuring the cross on top is visible. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.