Sesame Buns

Sesame Rolls – Homemade Buns with a Warm and Crunchy Flavor

Who doesn't love a freshly baked roll, with a golden crust and a soft center? Sesame rolls are a perfect choice for any meal, whether you serve them plain, with butter and jam, or fill them with meat, cheese, or vegetables. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious sesame rolls.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 650 for better texture)
- 20 g of salt
- 15 g of fresh yeast
- 600 ml of lukewarm water (about 30-35°C)
- 1-2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds

Recipe history:

Sesame rolls have an ancient tradition, being appreciated in many cultures throughout history. They symbolize hospitality and are often served at festive meals. Sesame seeds not only provide a unique taste but also a distinct aroma, having remarkable nutritional benefits. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, helping to maintain bone health and cardiovascular system.

Preparing the dough:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 100 ml of lukewarm water with the fresh yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as activated yeast is the key to fluffy rolls.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. It is important to add the salt at this stage to avoid direct contact with the yeast, which could inhibit its activity.

3. Forming the dough: Add the yeast mixture and the remaining lukewarm water to the bowl with flour and salt. Mix well until the ingredients combine, then knead the dough on the work surface. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten, which will give the rolls the desired texture. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, stretching and folding it until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 45 minutes at room temperature. The dough should double in volume.

Shaping the rolls:

5. Portioning: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and roll it out on the work surface. Divide it into 4 large pieces, then return each piece to the bowl for a second rise of 45 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape later.

6. Shaping the rolls: After the second rise, take each portion and divide it into pieces of about 100 g. Shape each piece into the desired roll form, making sure to incorporate a little air.

7. Final rise: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can make a small incision on each roll for a nice appearance. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top, which will add a crunchy taste and a touch of elegance. Let the rolls rise for another 40 minutes.

Baking the rolls:

8. Preheating the oven: Before baking the rolls, preheat the oven to 180°C. It is important to create a humid environment in the oven to achieve a crunchy crust. You can do this by adding a glass of water to the heated oven, which will generate steam.

9. Baking: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped.

Serving and variations:

Sesame rolls are delicious served warm, plain, with butter, or alongside a hot soup. They can be filled with various ingredients such as minced meat, tuna salad, or cottage cheese with herbs. You can also experiment by adding herbs to the dough, such as rosemary or thyme, for an extra flavor.

Useful tips:

- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve an even dough.
- If you prefer rolls with a softer crust, you can skip the water in the oven.
- You can also add other seeds to the dough, such as flaxseeds or chia seeds, for an extra nutrient boost.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the usage instructions on the package to activate the yeast properly.

2. How can I keep the rolls fresh?
The rolls keep best in an airtight container or a paper bag at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What drinks pair well with sesame rolls?
These rolls pair perfectly with a warm tea, fresh lemonade, or even a dry white wine.

Try this sesame roll recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors and textures! Each bite will be an explosion of taste, and you will be proud of your achievement. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones!