Crispy Crust, Soft Inside Bread Rolls

Crispy Crust, Soft Inside Bread Rolls

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup (220 ml) water, room temperature
  • ¾ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast or ½ tsp (2 g) dry yeast
  • 1 tsp (4 g) sugar (optional)

• 2 ½ cups (320 g) bread flour
• 1 tsp (6 g) salt

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the Dough:
      • In a bowl, mix 1 cup (220 ml) of water with ¾ tsp (3 g) fresh yeast (or ½ tsp (2 g) dry yeast) and 1 tsp (4 g) of sugar (if using). Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
      • Add 2 ½ cups (320 g) of bread flour and 1 tsp (6 g) of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until all the flour is incorporated, and there are no dry patches left. There’s no need to knead the dough.

1. Rest and Fold the Dough:
   • • Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
     • With a wet hand, stretch each of the four sides of the dough and fold it toward the center.
     • Lift the dough and “slap” it back into the bowl to help develop the gluten (this is the “lift and slap” technique).
   • Cover again and let rest for another 30 minutes.
2. Repeat Folding and Let Rise:
   • • Repeat the stretching, folding, and “lift and slap” process once more.
   • Cover and let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread Rolls:
   • • Lightly flour your work surface and carefully transfer the dough onto it.
   • • Gently fold the dough to make it easier to cut.
     • Cut the dough into 4 equal parts, maintaining the airy bubbles in the dough.
     • For each piece, shape it into a ball by rolling it on the floured surface and sealing the bottom.

4. Rest and Prepare for Baking:
   • • Let the dough balls rest for 10 minutes. Then, gently flatten them slightly.
     • Roll each piece into a ball again, press down with your fingers, and place them seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
   • Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Bread Rolls:
   • • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • • Lightly sprinkle flour over the bread rolls and smooth it out with your hand.
     • Score the top of each roll with a sharp blade or knife.
     • Sprinkle a little water around the breads to create steam, then cover with another tray.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
6. Finish Baking:
   • • After 20 minutes, remove the top tray and reduce the oven temperature to 390°F (200°C).
   • Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread rolls are golden brown and the crust is crispy and flaky.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • • Let the bread rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, or use them as the base for your favorite sandwiches!

Serving Suggestions:
These bread rolls are versatile and can be served with soups, salads, or spreads like hummus or butter. They’re also perfect for sandwiches.

Cooking Tips:

• For an extra crispy crust, add a small dish of water to the oven to create steam during the first part of the baking.
• If you like a softer crust, skip the additional water spritzing.

Nutritional Benefits:
These bread rolls are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy and a satisfying base for any meal.

Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread rolls and reheat them in the oven when needed.