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Caribbean Soft Rolls 2

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Soft Rolls 2

Caribbean Soft Rolls, a staple at home tables across the islands, are lovingly crafted with a keen eye for balance and generosity. While they might grace the menu during family meals or festive gatherings, they are not reserved for special occasions alone. This version captures the essence of home cooking, where salt is a matter of instinct and butter is used with a liberal hand, ensuring each roll is a true testament to Caribbean hospitality.

Expect a delicate crumb, with a pillowy softness that yields to the warmth of freshly melted butter. The rolls boast a gentle richness, with the subtle sweetness of milk and a whisper of salt that brings out their flavor. They are best enjoyed warm, shared around the table, embodying the spirit of communal eating that defines Caribbean cuisine.

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 and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Make a well in the center and add 7 g of yeast. This will help the yeast activate more efficiently when the liquid is added.
  2. Warm 250 ml of milk until it is just lukewarm, about the temperature of your skin. Melt 50 g of butter into the milk, stirring until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the well in the flour.
  3. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, indicating that the gluten has developed properly.
  4. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean, damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
  5. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions, shaping each into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each roll.
  6. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). While the oven heats, let the shaped rolls rest for another 15 minutes to allow them to rise slightly again. This second rise will ensure they are light and fluffy.
  7. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This is a sign that they are fully baked.
  8. Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. This cooling step helps set the crumb, making them easier to slice and serve.
  9. Serve the rolls warm with your meal, enjoying the soft, buttery texture that complements a variety of Caribbean dishes.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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