Asparagus Buns

I read an article that says eat more asparagus! It will help prevent cancer! Well, I'm not sure of that, but it is good for you, so it got me thinking of ways to use it.

3/4 cup warm water
1/3 cup milk
1  1/2 cups cooked asparagus (or 341 ml can)
4 - 4 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsps olive oil
2 tsps salt
1  1/2 tsps sugar
2  1/2 tsp yeast

Add sugar to the warm water and sprinkle yeast on top.
Sit 5 minutes until yeast activates.

Mash the asparagus, keeping aside a few pieces for garnish.

Combine mashed asparagus, milk and olive oil and warm.

In a large mixer bowl combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, then add the asparagus mixture. The dough should form a ball and come away from the bowl.
Knead about 10 minutes.

Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough in and cover with a damp tea towel.
Rise in a warm place 1  1/2 - 2  1/2 hours.

Before  ....      and after

Scoop the dough out of the bowl and onto a well floured work surface.

Cut and shape the dough into 8 rolls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Grease plastic wrap and lightly cover. Set aside until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Place a piece of asparagus on top.

Put a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven, then bake the buns at 375 F for 20 - 25 minutes.

(If you chose to make a loaf of bread instead, then bake it for 30-35 minutes)

Hope you like it