When it comes to baking, few things are as comforting as the smell of fresh bread filling your home. Today, we bring you a delightful recipe for Bolillos, a traditional Mexican bread roll that is perfect for any occasion. These crusty, slightly chewy rolls are great for sandwiches, breakfast, or simply served warm with a pat of butter. Let’s get baking!
Bolillos
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm water
– Cornmeal, for dusting
– 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough starts to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long oval loaf, tapering the ends slightly. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
5. Cover the loaves with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg white to give them a shiny finish.
7. Using a sharp knife or blade, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts across the top of each roll to allow for proper expansion during baking.
8. Bake the bolillos in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the bolillos from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these warm, crusty rolls with your favorite spreads, fillings, or just by themselves for a taste of true comfort.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with homemade bread or simply crave the satisfaction of baking from scratch, these Bolillos are a delightful addition to any home baker’s recipe collection. Give this recipe a try and savor the joy of creating something delicious and heartwarming straight from your own kitchen.
