Brasileiro Soft Rolls

Ingredients

• 500 gflour
• 7 gyeast
• 250 mlmilk
• 50 gbutter
• 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of flour, 7 g of yeast, and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed, which will help the dough rise uniformly.
2. In a small saucepan, gently heat 250 ml of milk and 50 g of butter over low heat until the butter is fully melted. The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the warm milk and butter mixture. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid until a rough dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. This kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture.
5. Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into equal portions, shaping each into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each roll for expansion.
7. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). While the oven heats, let the shaped rolls rest for about 15 minutes, allowing them to rise slightly again. This second rise will ensure they are light and fluffy.
8. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This color and sound indicate they are fully baked and have a soft interior.
9. Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and helps the crumb set properly.
10. Serve the Brasileiro Soft Rolls warm, ideally with your meal. Their soft texture and buttery flavor make them a perfect accompaniment to any dish, enhancing the shared dining experience.