Step 1

Place potato pieces in a steamer basket in a large saucepan. Add water to saucepan to just below basket; bring to boiling. Steam, covered, about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat. Uncover pan and cool slightly. Thoroughly mash potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.

Step 2

Heat milk until hot but not boiling (120°F to 130°F). Pour hot milk into a food processor fitted with a dough blade or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add date paste and yeast. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over the milk mixture. Cover and set aside in a warm place at least 10 minutes or until frothy.

Step 3

Add the 2¾ cups flour, 1½ cups mashed potatoes, and salt (if using) to milk mixture. Process or mix on low speed for 2 minutes.

Step 4

If using a food processor, dust the bottom of a large bowl with flour and transfer dough to bowl. If using a stand mixer, leave the dough in the mixer bowl. Cover bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place about 1 hour or until dough doubles in size.

Step 5

Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead it a few times. Shape dough into an oblong ball and place in the prepared pan. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake loaf about 40 minutes or until top is crispy and golden-brown. Remove loaf from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.