Kaiser rolls are so incredibly versatile. Their hard exterior makes them perfect for making hearty sandwiches. They can stand up to wet fillings like pulled pork and roast beef au jus. They're also delicious just spread with butter. But the options don't end with the standard kaiser roll. Rather, there's a whole other world of flavored, accentuated kaiser buns to explore. These garlic and sesame kaisers, for instance, are easy to make in your own kitchen -- and just as versatile as their more-plain cousins.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water, 115 - 120 degrees F.
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Directions:
Place the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the water in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes. The yeast should dissolve, and the mixture should start foaming.
Pour the additional water into the bowl. Then, add 2 cups of the flour, along with the salt and oil. Mix to form a soft dough, and then mix this dough for 1 minute -- either by hand or on low speed with your mixer. Slowly add the remaining cup of flour to the dough, mixing well to incorporate it. Then, knead the dough either for 5 minutes with a dough hook attachment to your mixer, or for 10 minutes by hand. If kneading by hand, coat your hands and the surface in a light dusting of flour to keep the dough from sticking. During the last minute of kneading, add the garlic to the dough, and keep kneading to incorporate it evenly.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it in plastic wrap. Put the bowl in a warm place to let the dough rise for 90 minutes.
Push down on the dough to release the extra air, and then divide it into 12 portions. Shape each into a small roll. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
Whisk the egg white, and brush the tops of the rolls with it. Then, sprinkle each of the rolls with some of the sesame seeds. Bake for 15 - 18 minutes at 400 degrees F. The rolls should be browned on top with a crispy, firm exterior when finished baking. Remove from the oven, and let them cool before slicing and enjoying.
