I have tried plenty bread recipes but as I come from a town which was famous for excellent bread for centuries I think I have it in my genes.So I always go to the recipe I collected from my nearby baker and the most important tip of all "Brandy". Yes a few tablespoons of brandy in the mixture will guarantee a softer texture as well as longer shelf life. I buy my flour from the baker as I find supermarket flour does not give the same results. Like all homemade breads, I suggest you consume within few hours of baking but I always freeze ready made rolls and re heat as needed. Like so I have fresh bread smell all week.
This is my secret recipe, please be exact with weighing as few grams can make a huge difference,
565grams strong plain flour
20g yeast
1tsp salt
2tsp sugar
2tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp brandy
375ml lukewarm water
Place everything in a mixer, do not put yeast granules direct on salt as it might kill the very needed bacteria.
Turn machine on slow speed and knead for 8 minutes. Mixture should become soft and slightly wet. Remove the hook from mixture but leave everything in the same mixing bowl. Cover with a tea towel and let it stand for 1 hour. After 1 hour the mixture should have doubled in bulk, put back the hook and knead for further 1 minute. Remove dough and divide in 36 equal portions. Take a piece and with cupped hands against the work top make circular movements until you feel that you have a perfect ball under your hands. Do not use any flour as it will make it very difficult to form a ball. Place buns on lightly buttered baking sheet leave enough space to rise. Cover with tea towel and let them prove for approx 15minutes. Heat the oven to Moderate Hot or 215C. Give the buns an egg wash by mixing 1 yolk 2tbsp milk 1 tbsp water and brush all tops. You can sprinkle wth poppy, sesame, hulled pumpkin or nigella seeds. Place the buns in the oven but before closing the door spray with some water on the oven sides and bottom to create some steam. This will help the buns rise perfectly and give a very smooth soft texture.
Enjoy with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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