Buns like at Ruxy Rux's hearth

Buns like at Ruxy Rux - A Homemade Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8 buns

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a warm bun fresh out of the oven? This recipe for buns, inspired by Ruxy, is not only simple but also extremely delicious. The buns are fluffy and fragrant, perfectly suited to be served with butter, jam, or even to accompany a hearty meal. Get ready to enjoy a moment of culinary indulgence, where every bite will transport you to a world of authentic flavors.

History of Buns

Buns have a long history, with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Used for centuries as a staple food, buns have evolved into various shapes and flavors, with each culture adding a unique touch. Regardless of the chosen variant, buns are a symbol of conviviality, often served at festive meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

- 500g flour (preferably cake flour)
- 150ml milk (at room temperature)
- 175ml water (warm)
- 35g butter (melted)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 5g dry yeast

Ingredient Tips

- Flour: Choose a quality flour with a balanced gluten content to achieve fluffy buns. Cake flour is an excellent choice as it has a lower gluten content, helping to create a more delicate texture.
- Yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh. Check the expiration date, and for added safety, you can activate the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Butter: You can use unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute butter with olive oil or margarine.

By following these steps, you will achieve exceptional buns that will impress the whole family.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, add the flour. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast. Sprinkle the sugar over the yeast and add the salt around the edges. This is an important technique, as the salt should not come into direct contact with the yeast until the dough is ready for kneading.

2. Heating the Liquids: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the milk and water, stirring constantly. The liquid should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

3. Mixing the Ingredients: Pour the warm liquid over the flour and activated yeast. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients. When the dough starts to form, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.

4. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, feel free to add a little more flour.

5. Rising the Dough: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the Buns: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape them into round buns. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Preparing for Baking: Brush the surface of the buns with milk and sprinkle a little flour on top for a rustic appearance. This step will help create a slightly crispy crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. If your oven is electric, you may need to adjust the temperature.

9. Cooling: Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step allows the steam to escape, keeping the buns fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Your buns like at Ruxy Rux are delicious and can be served in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:

- With Butter and Jam: A classic! Spread some butter and add your favorite jam. The sweet and creamy flavor is perfect for breakfast.
- Sandwiches: Use the buns to make sandwiches with cheese, vegetables, or meat.
- Alongside Soups: These buns are excellent for accompanying your favorite soups, adding extra flavor.

Variations and Tricks

- Herb Buns: Add dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or rosemary) to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- Cheese Buns: Incorporate cubes of cheese into the dough before shaping the buns for a heartier version.
- Egg Wash: For an even more golden crust, you can brush the buns with a beaten egg mixture before baking.

Nutritional Benefits

This bun recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. The flour contains complex carbohydrates that provide energy, and while butter is calorie-dense, it brings essential fatty acids. Additionally, these buns can be a good source of protein if you choose to serve them with cheese or meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber content. Whole wheat flour may require a bit more water.

2. How can I keep the buns fresh?
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the buns for a decorative look and added flavor.

I hope this recipe for buns like at Ruxy Rux brings you joy in the kitchen and becomes a family favorite. Making them is a satisfying experience, and the final result is simply delicious. Enjoy!