Sweet cheese and cumin rolls

Cheese and Cumin Buns – a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for any meal of the day! These aromatic buns, with a soft and fluffy texture, combine the flavor of sweet cheese with the distinct aroma of cumin, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s how you can prepare this simple yet flavorful recipe.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns

Ingredients:
- 600 g of flour
- 250 ml of warm milk
- 1 ½ packets of fresh yeast (approximately 45 g)
- 50 g of melted butter
- 1 egg (for brushing the buns)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of sugar
- 200 g of sweet cheese (I recommend Făgăraș sweet cheese, which has a fine texture and pleasant taste)

Brief history
Cheese and Cumin Buns are a traditional recipe that has remained popular due to its simplicity and comforting taste. These buns can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a snack during the day, making them ideal for any occasion. Cumin, a common ingredient in various culinary cultures, not only provides a wonderful aroma but also offers nutritional benefits, aiding digestion.

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the flour with the salt in a large bowl. Make sure the salt is well distributed, as it will influence the final taste of the buns.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, like a small crater. Here, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and melted butter. It’s important that the butter is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

Pour a little warm milk over the yeast and gently stir to activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

Step 2: Kneading
Once the yeast is activated, start gradually adding the remaining milk, mixing continuously. As you incorporate the milk, the dough will begin to form. Now add the sweet cheese and continue kneading.

When the dough becomes homogeneous, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid making the buns heavy.

Step 3: Resting the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is when the yeast will work its magic, and the dough will become fluffy and airy.

Step 4: Shaping the buns
After the dough has risen, transfer it back to the work surface and knead it gently for a few minutes. Divide the dough into equal portions (about 12) and shape them into round buns. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to expand.

Step 5: Preparing for baking
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each bun with it, to give them a golden color and appetizing appearance. Sprinkle cumin over each bun, which will add a wonderful aroma and rustic look.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the tray with the buns inside and bake for about 40 minutes or until they become golden and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.

Serving
Let the buns cool slightly on a rack, then enjoy them warm! You can serve them plain, with butter, or pair them with creamy cheese, a fresh salad, or even a warm soup. These buns are also excellent for breakfast, alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Variations
To vary the recipe, you can replace cumin with sesame or poppy seeds for a different flavor. You can also add herbs like dill or oregano to the dough for an extra taste.

Tips and tricks
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps activate the yeast more effectively.
- If you can’t find Făgăraș sweet cheese, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or ricotta.
- The buns can be frozen after baking. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags. You can reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

Nutritional benefits
Cheese and Cumin Buns are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from butter. Sweet cheese brings calcium and B vitamins, while cumin is known for its digestive properties.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but use about 1 packet (7 g) and add it directly to the flour.

2. Can the buns be made gluten-free?
Sure! Use gluten-free flour and ensure the yeast is certified gluten-free.

3. How can I tell if the buns are baked?
You can check if they are done by gently tapping the bottom; if they sound hollow, they are baked. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 90 degrees Celsius.

Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process! Each step is an opportunity to explore and create. With these Cheese and Cumin Buns, you’ll bring smiles to your table. Enjoy!