Winter Squash Buns

7 oz winter squash, peeled, in cubes

1 tsp chile powder

1 tsp ground paprika

1 tsp grated nutmeg

pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tbsp butter

1 package yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

2 cups all-purpose flour

8 oz aged cheese, grated (reserve a little for the garnish)

2/3 cup milk

1 handful of pumpkin seeds to garnish, briefly roasted in a pan

 

Preheat the oven to 35O°F/Gas 4. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the winter squash on it. Sprinkle with the chili and ground paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bake the squash until done, approx. 30 minutes. Leave to cool. Puree in a food processor and blend in the butter, yeast, flour, and cheese. Carefully add the milk; maybe you won’t need all of it, maybe a little more, depending on the squash’s moisture content. Continue to work into a pliable dough. Grease a bowl with some oil and place the dough ball in it. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm draft-free place. Thoroughly punch down the dough again and divide into approx. 16 equal portions. Shape into balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for approx. 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 35O°F/Gas 4, brush the buns with a little water, and sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and reserved cheese. Bake the buns until done and golden brown, approx. 30 minutes. Serve with thyme butter.