Sourdough Dinner Rolls

 These do take a while to make, but they are well worth the wait.  So soft & chewy.  This recipe is easy to cut in half.  When making bread I prefer to weigh my dry ingredients.  I think it comes out better that way.

SOURDOUGH DINNER ROLLS

(makes 14)

Roll Ingredients:

*1/2 cup sourdough starter (150 grams)

*1/2 cup warm whole milk

*1 large egg, room temperature

*2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature

*1 heaping teaspoon salt (7 grams)

*3 cups bread flour (400 grams)

*1/4 cup warm water (may need a teaspoon or 2 more)

Topping Ingredients:

*1 large egg

*1 teaspoon water

*sea salt or garlic salt (optional)

*sesame seeds (optional)

*1 teaspoon butter, melted

Directions:

~In a large mixing bowl, whisk sourdough starter and warm milk together until well combined.

~Stir in egg, melted butter, and salt.

~Stir in the flour.

~Stir in water, the dough will be shaggy (lumpy & sticky).  If it's too dry add a teaspoon or two as needed.

~Work the dough with your hands until the dough starts to form some gluten.

~Place dough into a clean bowl and cover.

~Place in a warm draft free area for 30-40 minutes.

~Uncover dough and slide your fingers under the dough and gently lift off of the bottom.

~Stretch and fold the dough in half towards you.

~Turn the bowl a quarter turn and stretch and fold the dough in half towards you again (do this step two more times).

~Flip the dough and cover it again.

~Place in a warm draft free area for 1 hour.

~Uncover dough and slide your finger under the dough and lift it up allowing the dough to stretch downwards and fold.  Place the dough back down, turn and repeat this step 3 more times.

~Cover and allow to rest for 1 more hour.

~Dust a clean surface with flour.

~Place dough onto floured surface top side facing down onto the flour.

~Cut dough into 14 equal pieces. 

~Shape each piece into a ball.

~I like to lightly dust the rolls with flour to prevent sticking, but this is optional/

~Place dough into a 10 inch cast iron pan or a 9x13 inch baking pan (I line mine with parchment paper to prefect sticking).

~Cover with a damp towel and allow to rise for 60-90 minutes.

Topping Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~In a small bowl, whisk egg & water together.

~Using a pastry brush, brush mixture gently over rolls.

~Sprinkle desired amount of sea salt or sesame seeds over top of rolls.

~Bake for 20-25 minutes or until rolls are a golden brown.

~Drizzle melted butter over the top.

~Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.