Are you craving warm, pillowy bread rolls that perfectly complement your favorite Indian curries? Look no further! This easy recipe will guide you through making delicious, homemade Indian bread rolls from scratch. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a delightful addition to your next meal, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make and offer a delightful taste of homemade goodness. Let's dive into this fantastic recipe for soft and fluffy Indian bread rolls!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water (approximately 105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will properly leaven the dough.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough, preventing any overly salty pockets.
Step 3: Mixing the Dough
Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Then, add oil and continue mixing until a rough dough comes together.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in softer and fluffier rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for achieving that airy texture we all love.
Step 6: Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to fully puff up before baking.
Step 8: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, alongside your favorite Indian dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- For richer flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of milk powder to the dough.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder into the dough for a savory twist.
- Herby rolls: Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the dough for an aromatic touch.
- Sweet rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough for sweeter rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 Fat: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
These delicious Indian bread rolls are a fantastic addition to any meal. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor the delightful flavors! They are perfect as a quick side dish, part of a larger spread, or even as a snack throughout the day. Experiment with different variations to find your perfect roll!