Sourdough Rolls
These Sourdough Rolls are fluffy and delicious, perfect for dinner or as a snack. Made with a mix of white and whole wheat flour for a wholesome touch. The sourdough starter gives them a unique tangy flavor that's sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Sourdough is a traditional style of bread that uses a fermented dough starter to rise. The starter is a mixture of yeast and bacteria that ferments the dough, giving it its characteristic tangy flavor. This recipe uses a sourdough starter to make delicious homemade rolls.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough starter 1 1⁄2 cups warm water 1 tablespoon yeast 1 tablespoon salt 2 tablespoons white sugar or brown sugar 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 - 4 cups flour (1⁄2 white and 1⁄2 whole wheat.) butter, melted
Method
- 1. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch pan or line with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl combine starter, water, yeast, salt, sugar and oil. Stir in flour, adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough is manageable. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead well. Place dough in a bowl and cover, set in a warm place to double in size.
- 2. When double, punch dough down and with lightly floured hands, form into rolls. Place on prepared pan and let rise until doubled.
- 3. Bake approximately 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Last 5 minutes of baking, brush with melted butter and return to oven.
The Art of Sourdough Baking
Sourdough baking is an art that dates back thousands of years. The tangy flavor and chewy texture of sourdough bread come from the process of fermentation. The yeast and bacteria in the starter eat the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. The gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise, while the alcohol gives the bread its distinctive sour flavor.
The history of dinner rolls is intertwined with the history of bread itself. The ancient Egyptians are often credited with being the first civilization to bake leavened bread, using wild yeasts and fermentation. As bread-making techniques spread across Europe, different cultures added their unique touches, leading to the variety of breads we enjoy today. The dinner roll, as we know it, likely originated in Europe and became popular in America during the 18th century.
Serving suggestions for dinner rolls are as varied as the meals they accompany. Here are a few ideas:
- Butter and Jam: A classic choice. Warm dinner rolls served with butter and your favorite jam or preserve can be a simple yet satisfying treat.
- Garlic and Herb Rolls: Brush your dinner rolls with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs before baking for a savory twist.
- Cheese Rolls: Add grated cheese to the dough before baking, or slice the baked rolls open and add a slice of your favorite cheese for a delicious cheesy roll.
- Sandwich Rolls: Dinner rolls can be used to make mini sandwiches. Fill them with your favorite sandwich fillings for a fun and easy meal or snack.
- Soup Companion: A warm dinner roll is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup. Use it to soak up every last drop of your favorite soup.
This recipe for Sourdough Rolls brings the art of sourdough baking into your kitchen. Remember, the beauty of dinner rolls lies in their simplicity and versatility. They're perfect for dinner or as a snack, and the sourdough starter gives them a unique flavor that's sure to be a hit at your next meal.