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Filipino Soft Rolls 2

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Filipino Soft Rolls 2

Filipino Soft Rolls, known for their pillowy texture and tender crumb, capture the essence of home-cooked warmth that graces many a Filipino dining table. This version, often passed down through generations, reflects the intuitive way Filipino home cooks measure with a seasoned hand rather than precise scales. These rolls are commonly found at breakfast or merienda, the afternoon snack time, serving as a beloved accompaniment to coffee or tea, offering both comfort and nourishment.

A true Filipino Soft Roll is a delicate balance of softness and richness, with each bite revealing a buttery flavor wrapped in a light, airy texture. The rolls, generously enriched with milk and butter, offer a subtle hint of sweetness that complements their savory undertones perfectly. They are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, where their inviting aroma and tender feel make them irresistible to anyone gathered around the table.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g flour, 7 g yeast, and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
  2. In a small saucepan, gently heat 250 ml milk and 50 g butter over low heat until the butter is just melted and the milk is warm to the touch. Be careful not to overheat the milk, as this can kill the yeast. The mixture should be warm, not hot.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk and butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a rough dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
  4. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about an hour, but the dough is ready when it has visibly expanded and feels puffy when gently pressed.
  6. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it on the counter with your palm.
  7. Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each roll. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again until they have doubled in size and are touching each other slightly, indicating they are ready to bake.
  8. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Transfer the baked rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring a soft interior.
  10. Serve the Filipino Soft Rolls warm with your meal, enjoying their soft, buttery texture and the way they complement any dish on the table.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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