Spelt flour bread - spelt wheat (in Hebrew, cosmin)

Spelt Flour Rolls: A Healthy and Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a recipe that combines authentic flavor with nutritional benefits? Then spelt flour rolls are the perfect choice! These delights, made from a nutrient-rich type of flour, are not only tasty but also health-friendly, making them ideal for those who want to reduce gluten consumption or adopt a healthier diet. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, accompaniment to a main meal, or as a healthy snack, these rolls will quickly become everyone’s favorites.

A Brief History

Spelt flour, also known as farro flour, is obtained from a variety of wheat that has been cultivated since ancient times. It has been appreciated for its distinct flavor and high content of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Over time, spelt flour has been used in various traditional dishes, and today it is regaining attention from those seeking healthy alternatives to regular white flour.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 90 minutes
- Baking time: 15 minutes
- Total: 125 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

- 1 kg of sifted spelt flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast or 2 tablespoons of dry yeast (one 7 g packet is sufficient)
- 2 tablespoons of pure honey
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 600 ml of warm water (at room temperature)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling) or alternatively, ash, according to preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by sifting the spelt flour. This step is essential to achieve a fine and even texture for the dough. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate yeast activation.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In the mixing bowl, add the sifted flour, dry or fresh yeast, honey, and olive oil. These ingredients will form the base of the dough. Use a dough hook mixer and start it on low speed to mix the dry ingredients.

3. Forming the Dough: Gradually pour the warm water into the mixing bowl. Continue mixing until the dough begins to form. It is important to add the salt only after the dough has started to come together, as premature contact with the yeast can inhibit fermentation.

4. Kneading: Allow the mixer to knead the dough for about 8 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, and the mixing bowl should be clean. If you notice the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

5. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or a plastic bag. Let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preheating the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. It is essential for the oven to be well-heated to achieve even baking.

7. Forming the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, gently knead it to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll, ensuring they are spaced apart on baking trays lined with parchment paper.

8. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

9. Brushing and Sprinkling: After the second rise, beat the egg with a little salt and brush each roll. This will give them a beautiful and shiny color. Sprinkle sesame seeds or ash on top, according to preference.

10. Baking: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. If your oven has a turbo function, you will achieve more even baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these rolls is as varied as their preparation. You can enjoy them warm, plain, or pair them with various fillings:

- With cheese and olives: A delicious combination, perfect for a healthy snack.
- With hummus or guacamole: Ideal for a savory appetizer.
- With jam or honey: A sweet option for breakfast or a snack.

Nutritional Benefits

Spelt flour is an excellent choice for health. It contains high-quality proteins, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and iron. It can help maintain digestive health and assist in controlling blood sugar levels, making it ideal for people with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use regular flour instead of spelt flour?
While possible, the recipe will lose its nutritional benefits and the specific flavor of spelt flour.

- How can I store the rolls?
These rolls store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for later consumption.

- Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes, you can experiment with herbs or spices like oregano, rosemary, or even garlic powder to give it a unique flavor.

Conclusion

Making these spelt flour rolls is a rewarding experience that will not only delight your family and friends but also add a health boost to your diet. Take the time to experiment and enjoy each step of the cooking process. With every bite, you will feel not only the rich flavors but also the benefits this healthy recipe brings. Bon appétit!