Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Start by warming the milk to about 37-40°C (98-104°F). It should feel warm to the touch but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- In a small bowl, combine 105 ml of warm milk, 12 g (1 tbsp) of sugar, and 1.5 g (1/2 tsp) of active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 150 g of all-purpose or bread flour and 1.5 g (1/4 tsp) of salt. Stir to combine the dry ingredients.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, followed by 15 ml (1 tbsp) of olive oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the ingredients together until a rough dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more warm milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading it by hand. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but not sticky.
- If the dough is sticking too much to your hands or the surface, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much, as this can make the rolls dense.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- A good spot for the dough to rise is in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of rolls you want. For smaller rolls, divide the dough into 4-6 pieces. For larger dinner rolls, divide into 3-4 pieces.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball by gently pulling the sides of the dough toward the bottom and pinching it together.
- Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Be sure to leave some space between each roll as they will expand during baking.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
- While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once the rolls have finished their second rise, place them in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you want a shiny finish on the rolls, you can brush the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm and can be paired with butter, jam, or any meal of your choice.
