Sweet buns with sesame

Sweet sesame buns: a recipe that combines tradition with flavor!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns

Who doesn't love the smell of warm buns baking in the oven? This sweet sesame bun recipe is perfect for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast or serve them as a delicious snack. The buns are fluffy, aromatic, and with a sesame crust, they become irresistible!

The history of sweet buns spans centuries, being a delicacy appreciated in various cultures. They are often consumed on festive days or special occasions, but you don't need to wait for a special event to indulge in them. Start transforming your kitchen into a true pastry workshop!

Ingredients:

- 300 g type 650 flour
- 400 g type 000 flour
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lard (or butter, but lard gives a fluffier texture)
- 300-400 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water (for syrup)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for syrup)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Useful tips for your ingredients:

- Flour: A combination of type 650 and type 000 flour ensures fluffy and airy buns. Type 650 flour provides a bit of structure, while type 000 flour adds finesse.
- Yeast: Make sure to use fresh yeast, which will make the dough rise beautifully. Check the expiration date, and if you want, you can do an activation test: dissolve the yeast in warm water with a little sugar and wait a few minutes to see if it foams.
- Lard: Using lard instead of butter can radically change the texture of the buns, giving them more fluffiness and a distinct flavor. Additionally, lard is easier to use at high temperatures.

Steps for preparing sweet sesame buns:

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in 300 ml of warm water. It is important that the water is not too hot, so it does not kill the yeast. Once dissolved, let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the two types of flour together with the salt and sugar. This will help avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the melted lard and honey to the flour mixture. Then, add the yeast mixture. Start kneading by hand, gradually adding the remaining water (if necessary) until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you feel the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. This is a crucial step as kneading develops the gluten, which will make the buns fluffy and airy.

5. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the buns: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small pieces, the size of an egg. Shape each piece into a round ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise.

7. Second rising: Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.

8. Preparing the syrup: In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of water with one teaspoon of sugar. This syrup will give the buns a nice shine and help the sesame seeds stick.

9. Glazing and decorating: Using a brush, glaze each bun with the prepared syrup and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Serving suggestions and variations:

These buns are delicious served warm, plain, or with butter and jam. You can also use them to create delicious mini sandwiches filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. If you want to add a special touch, you can try adding coconut flakes or raisins to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 30 g of fresh yeast with about 10 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour mixture.
- How can I store the buns? The buns store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for later use; make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the freezer.

Nutritional benefits: These sweet sesame buns are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole grain flour provides fiber, and sesame is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins. Additionally, honey is a natural alternative to sugar, with antioxidant properties.

I hope you enjoy making these sweet sesame buns as much as I do! Enjoy your meal!