Are you craving warm, fluffy bread rolls but want a delicious vegan option? Look no further! This recipe delivers soft, pillowy bread rolls that are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any meal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. These vegan bread rolls are the perfect quick dinner idea, a delightful addition to any soup or stew, or simply enjoyed on their own with a little vegan butter. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, resulting in perfectly risen rolls.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add olive oil and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. This kneading process develops the gluten in the flour, leading to that perfect soft texture.
Step 4: 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 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (with the light on) is a great place for this.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them for rising.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size. This second rise ensures extra fluffiness.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite vegan butter, spreads, or as an accompaniment to your delicious dishes.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Bread Rolls:
- Use fresh yeast: For the best results, use fresh, active dry yeast.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls.
- Proof in a warm place: A warm oven (with the light on) or a sunny spot works well for proofing.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the rolls enough space to rise and bake evenly.
Variations:
- Herb rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
- Garlic rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet rolls: Add 1/4 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 150-180
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe for delicious vegan bread rolls offers a fantastic healthy meal option that's also incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply want to enjoy some homemade cooking, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and creating your perfect vegan bread roll experience!