Sweet Potato Buns

Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until very tender (15-20 minutes). Drain well, mash with a potato masher, and measure out 1 cup. Allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate any remaining mashed sweet potatoes for future use.

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup warm water, and yeast. Cover the bowl and place in a warm place to allow the yeast to activate (about 15 minutes).

Combine and Knead the Dough: Spoon 1 cup of cooled mashed sweet potatoes into the yeast mixture and transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add 1 egg, melted butter, honey, and sea salt; mix well. Add 3 cups flour and mix using the dough hook. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. If the dough seems too sticky, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup flour, or as needed, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading until the dough is very soft, only slightly sticky, and somewhat elastic (about 2 minutes).

First Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Shape into a smooth ball. Return the dough to the bowl and drizzle with oil; rub oil over the entire surface to prevent the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size (about 2 hours).

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

Shape the Buns: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press out any air pockets. If needed, use only enough flour to keep the dough from sticking. Press into a rectangular shape, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into 16 equal-sized pieces. Gently shape each piece into a ball. Slightly flatten each ball and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Let rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Egg Wash and Seeds: Whisk together the remaining egg and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl until well combined. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until browned (about 15 minutes).