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PakistaniAuthentic Cuisine

Pakistani Soft Rolls

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Pakistani Soft Rolls

Pakistani Soft Rolls are a staple across the diverse urban landscapes of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad. These rolls find their place at tables during family dinners and gatherings, where sharing is the essence of the meal. The recipe has been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of home cooking with each soft, pillowy bite.

Expect a tender crumb that yields gently under your fingers, with a buttery richness that speaks to the generous use of fat. The salt is always judged by hand, a nod to the intuitive art of Pakistani cooking. These rolls are not just a side; they're an invitation to linger at the table, enjoying the company as much as the food.

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 throughout the flour.
  2. Warm 250 ml of milk until it is just lukewarm, about body temperature. Add 50 g of softened butter to the milk, stirring until the butter is completely melted. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, and springs back when you press it lightly with your finger.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place. The dough should double in size, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature. You will know it's ready when you gently press a finger into the dough and the indentation remains.
  5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion.
  6. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Once heated, bake the rolls in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This indicates that they are cooked through.
  7. Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Cooling on a rack allows air to circulate around the rolls, preventing them from becoming soggy and helping the crumb to set properly.
  8. Serve the Pakistani Soft Rolls warm alongside your meal, allowing everyone to enjoy the soft, buttery texture that complements a variety of dishes.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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