Mediterranean rolls

Mediterranean Buns: A Culinary Journey into the Heart of Flavors

In the gastronomic world, Mediterranean buns are a true symbol of joy and conviviality. These small delights, with a fluffy texture and intense flavor, are perfect to be served alongside a table full of goodies or simply enjoyed on their own, with a drizzle of quality olive oil. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious Mediterranean buns, bringing a touch of sunshine in every bite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g white flour type 000 (or bread flour for added texture)
- 350 ml lukewarm water (about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 7 large pitted olives (optional, but recommended)
- Olive oil for greasing

Preparation of the buns:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step may seem simple, but it is essential to aerate the flour and prevent lumps. Sifted flour will give your buns a finer texture.

2. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and sugar in 100 ml of lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step will activate the yeast, ensuring that your buns will be fluffy and light.

3. Combining the ingredients: Make a well in the center of the sifted flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the remaining lukewarm water, salt, olive oil, and all the spices (basil, oregano, cumin, and rosemary). These flavors will transform your buns into an authentic Mediterranean experience.

4. Kneading the dough: Use a spatula or your hands to incorporate the ingredients, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as a dough that is too dry will result in hard buns.

5. First rising: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the buns: Once the dough has risen, place it on a work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and slightly flatten them to form buns. You can add an olive in the center of each bun for extra flavor.

7. Second rising: Place the shaped buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for 30 minutes. This step is important for achieving a fluffy texture.

8. Preheating the oven: While the buns are rising, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. A high temperature will ensure even baking and help form a delicious crust.

9. Baking: Once the buns have risen, you can lightly brush them with olive oil for an appetizing shine. Bake the buns in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

10. Cooling: After baking, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is essential for maintaining the fluffy texture.

Serving suggestions:

Mediterranean buns are perfect to be served warm, alongside a platter of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also pair them with fine cheeses, flavorful olives, or grilled vegetables. A simple hummus recipe would be an excellent complement!

Customized option:

If you want to add a touch of originality to the recipe, you can try replacing the olives with pieces of sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled feta cheese. These will add an explosion of flavors and interesting textures to your buns.

Nutritional information:

Each bun (from the 12 servings) has approximately 180 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and protein. The added spices not only enhance the flavor profile but also offer nutritional benefits, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I keep the buns fresh?
Keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them to preserve them longer.

3. Can I add other spices?
Of course! Experiment with fresh herbs or other spices like garlic powder or sweet paprika to customize the recipe to your taste.

These Mediterranean buns are not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring a bit of sunshine to every meal. So, embark on a culinary adventure and enjoy the moment! Cooking is not just about ingredients; it’s about emotions, memories, and, above all, sharing special moments with loved ones. Bon appétit!