Lowcountry Sweet Potato Rolls

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional American Parker House Roll is transformed into a Lowcountry delight by incorporating mashed sweet potatoes into the dough. This addition infuses the rolls with a subtle sweetness and a vibrant golden color, characteristic of Lowcountry cuisine. The use of sweet potatoes also adds a moist and tender texture to the rolls, making them even more irresistible. We alse have the original recipe for Parker House Roll, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) warm milk 2 cups (470ml) warm milk
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) mashed sweet potatoes 1 cup (200g) mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups (720g) all-purpose flour 6 cups (720g) all-purpose flour
• Additional melted butter for brushing Additional melted butter for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 240 kcal / 1004 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 39g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. 2.
   Add the melted butter, mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, and remaining sugar to the bowl. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until 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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
7. 7.
   Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and brush with additional melted butter for a glossy finish.
11. 11.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Make sure to thoroughly cook and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth before incorporating them into the dough. This will ensure a consistent texture throughout the rolls.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, brush the rolls with honey or maple syrup before baking.
• To make the rolls even more aromatic, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• If you prefer a more savory version, sprinkle some sea salt or herbs on top of the rolls before baking.
• These rolls freeze well, so you can make a batch in advance and reheat them when needed.
• Experiment with different shapes, such as knots or crescents, to add visual interest to your rolls.

Serving advice

Serve the Lowcountry Sweet Potato Rolls warm with a generous slather of butter. They are perfect alongside a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits or as a side to a traditional Lowcountry boil. These rolls also make a delightful addition to any holiday feast or Sunday brunch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a clean kitchen towel for a cozy and inviting presentation. Alternatively, place them on a wooden cutting board for a more rustic look. Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, on top of the rolls for an elegant touch.