Elisa's braided rolls

Twisted rolls a la Elisa

Who can resist the enticing aroma of freshly baked rolls? These twisted rolls, inspired by traditional recipes, are perfect for accompanying family meals or serving as a snack among friends. Moreover, the preparation process is a true pleasure, and the final result will bring a smile to anyone's face. Whether you enjoy them plain, with butter, or filled with various ingredients, these rolls are sure to become your favorites!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 rolls

Necessary ingredients:

- 350 ml lukewarm water
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil for a richer flavor)
- 5 g salt
- 550 g white flour (choose a quality flour for the best results)
- 15 g milk powder (adds a richer flavor)
- 15 g sugar (helps with caramelizing the crust)
- 5 g dry yeast
- 50 ml milk (for glazing)
- Poppy or sesame seeds (optional, for a special look and flavor)

My tip: Make sure the water used is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it. The ideal temperatures are between 30-40 degrees Celsius.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding all the ingredients into the bread machine, following the listed order. The lukewarm water should be first, followed by oil, salt, flour, milk powder, sugar, and dry yeast. Make sure that the yeast and salt do not touch directly at first, as salt can inhibit the yeast's activity.

2. Kneading and rising: Select the kneading and rising program of the bread machine. This process will take about an hour. You will know the dough is ready when it becomes elastic and easy to handle.

3. Shaping the rolls: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Divide it into 6 equal parts. Shaping is a fun part! Form each part into long strips of about 30 cm. If you like, you can make them a bit thicker or thinner, depending on your preferences.

4. Braiding: Take the 3 strips of dough and braid them. At the end, tuck the ends underneath to seal them. This step not only improves the appearance but also allows for even baking.

5. Final rising: Preheat the oven to 185 degrees Celsius. Place the twisted rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, covering them with a clean towel. Let them rise for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

6. Glazing: After they have risen, brush each roll with milk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. If desired, sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on top for added flavor and appearance.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling: After baking, let the rolls cool on a wire rack. This is an important step as it allows steam to escape, keeping the crust crispy.

Enjoy your twisted rolls a la Elisa! These delicious rolls are excellent served warm, with butter or cheese, and pair perfectly with a soup or salad.

Nutritional benefits: These rolls provide a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and, depending on the added ingredients, may also contain fiber. The additional olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, while the milk powder adds a dose of calcium.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, to add more fiber. You can also add dried herbs to the dough for a more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. As for the quantity, use about 15 g of fresh yeast, dissolved in lukewarm water.

2. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the water temperature wasn’t too high. Also, a warm environment is essential for rising.

3. What can I serve these rolls with?
The twisted rolls are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes: from soups and stews to salads or simply with butter and jam.

So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy this delicious recipe for twisted rolls a la Elisa, which is sure to bring joy to your kitchen!

 Ingredients: 350 ml lukewarm water, 3 tablespoons oil, 5 g salt, 550 g white flour, 15 g powdered milk, 15 g sugar, 5 g dry yeast, 50 ml milk (for glazing), poppy seeds, sesame (optional)