Chelsea bun

Chelsea Bun

The Chelsea Bun is a type of sweet pastry that originated in the Chelsea district of London, England. It is a popular treat known for its rich, buttery flavor and soft, doughy texture. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and preparation of the Chelsea Bun.

History

The Chelsea Bun has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. It was first created by the Bun House, a famous bakery located in Chelsea, London. The bakery was established in 1680 and quickly gained a reputation for its delicious buns.

The Chelsea Bun became particularly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was served at the Bun House and sold at the annual Chelsea Bun House Fair. The fair was a highly anticipated event, drawing crowds from all over London who eagerly awaited the chance to taste these delectable treats.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for a Chelsea Bun includes the following ingredients:

• 500g of plain flour
• 50g of caster sugar
• 7g of dried yeast
• 250ml of warm milk
• 50g of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 100g of currants
• 50g of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Preparation

To make Chelsea Buns, follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, and dried yeast. 2. Gradually add the warm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing well. 3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. 5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. 6. Spread the beaten egg over the dough, then sprinkle the currants, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon evenly. 7. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a long spiral shape. 8. Cut the rolled dough into individual buns, approximately 2 inches thick. 9. Place the buns on a greased baking tray, leaving some space between each bun. 10. Cover the tray with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. 11. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). 12. Bake the Chelsea Buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. 13. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Serving

Chelsea Buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. They can be served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Some people also like to add a drizzle of icing or a dollop of clotted cream for extra indulgence.

See Also

• Bun House
• London, England