Buns with poppy seeds and cheese
To prepare these delicious poppy seed and cheese rolls, we start by rubbing the fresh yeast with sugar until the mixture becomes homogeneous and the yeast dissolves completely. This step is essential as activating the yeast will affect the texture and final volume of the rolls. In a large bowl, we sift the flour, being careful to remove any impurities and aerate the ingredient, then add the salt, which will enhance the flavor of the rolls.
The next step is to introduce the activated yeast into the flour mixture. With our hands, we mix the ingredients, gradually adding about 100 ml of lukewarm milk, which will help hydrate the dough. We begin kneading, adding the poppy seeds along the way, which will not only provide a unique taste but also beautify the rolls with their decorative appearance. We also grate the cheese on a fine grater so that it integrates evenly into the dough.
We continue kneading, gradually adding milk until we obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It is important not to overdo it with the flour, as a dough that is too dry will not allow the rolls to rise well. Finally, we incorporate the oil, which will add extra juiciness to the rolls.
Once we have obtained the perfect dough, we cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 40-50 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in volume. Once the dough has risen, we sprinkle a little flour on our hands and divide the dough into 8 approximately equal pieces. We shape each piece into a ball, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking.
We place the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion during baking. We let them rest for 10 minutes to relax. Meanwhile, we beat an egg until frothy, which we will use to brush the rolls, giving them a beautiful golden color when baked. Using a brush, we gently coat each ball with the beaten egg, preparing them for the oven.
We preheat the oven to a suitable temperature and place the rolls inside, allowing them to bake until they are golden and appetizing. This process will take about 20-25 minutes, but it is good to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once the rolls are ready, we take them out of the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, they are perfect to be enjoyed, either plain or with various fillings, alongside a warm soup or as a side dish for a festive meal.
Ingredients: 350 g flour, 150-200 ml warm milk, 13 g yeast, 100 g cheese, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 egg
