Mikate (small Congolese buns)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and rub it in with your fingertips until you get a coarse, sandy texture.
3. Gradually add the beaten egg and lukewarm water, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
4. Cover and leave to rise for 1 hour in a warm place, until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Knock back the dough and divide it into 12 equal balls.
6. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, a few centimetres apart, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F) and bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden and they sound hollow when tapped.
8. Let them cool slightly on a rack before serving.