French Rolls

French Rolls Recipe - Vegetarian Food from France and Guyana

Region / culture: France, Guyana | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

French rolls are a classic bread recipe that is perfect for any meal. These soft and fluffy rolls are a staple in French cuisine and are sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

French rolls, also known as "petits pains," have been a popular bread in France for centuries. They are typically served with butter or jam for breakfast or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved tradition in French households.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of plain flour
6 oz (170 g) of margarine
0.5 oz (14 g) of yeast
6 tbsp of water
1 oz (28 g) of sugar
3 tbsp of salt
3 eggs
1.5 pt (710 ml) of milk
2 oz (57 g) of butter, for glaze

How to prepare

Sprinkle the yeast into the water, to which 1 oz (28 g) of sugar has already been added. Leave it to rise.
Sieve the flour and salt together, then rub in the margarine. Warm the milk to tepid.
Beat the eggs and add half of the warmed milk.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, add the yeast mixture, milk, and egg, and mix together into a pliable dough. Add more milk if needed.
Knead well, cut the dough in half to ensure there are no bubbles, put it back together, and knead some more.
Leave the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
Cut it into 84 pieces, knead each piece, and form them into rounds. Leave them to rise again.
Bake in a hot oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10 – 15 minutes. Allow them to cool and glaze with butter.

Variations

You can customize your French rolls by adding herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough before baking. You can also shape the dough into different shapes, such as twists or knots, for a unique presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your French rolls turn out perfectly every time, be sure to knead the dough well and allow it to rise until it doubles in size. This will help to create a light and airy texture. Additionally, be sure to glaze the rolls with butter after baking to give them a beautiful golden color and a rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

French rolls are best served warm with butter or jam for breakfast, or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board or as a base for sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure that your French rolls turn out light and fluffy, be sure to knead the dough well and allow it to rise until it doubles in size. Baking the rolls in a hot oven will help them to develop a golden crust and a soft interior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are dairy-free, you can substitute the milk and butter in this recipe with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and vegan butter. You can also use gluten-free flour to make these rolls gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for French rolls in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply shape the rolls and allow them to rise before baking them the next day. This will save you time and ensure that you have fresh rolls for breakfast or dinner.

Presentation Ideas

French rolls can be served on a bread basket or a wooden board for a rustic presentation. You can also brush them with melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt or herbs for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

French rolls pair well with soups, salads, and main dishes such as roasted chicken or beef stew. They also make a great accompaniment to cheese and charcuterie boards.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

French rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French rolls contains approximately 200 calories. It is important to enjoy these rolls in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French rolls contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of French rolls contains approximately 5 grams of fat. Fat is important for providing energy and supporting cell growth, but it is important to consume in moderation.

Proteins

Each serving of French rolls contains approximately 6 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

French rolls are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and overall well-being.

Alergens

French rolls contain gluten, dairy, and eggs. It is important to be mindful of these allergens if you have any dietary restrictions.

Summary

French rolls are a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

Summary

French rolls are a classic bread recipe that is perfect for any meal. With their soft and fluffy texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them warm with butter or jam, or use them as a base for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for French Rolls many years ago. It was during a trip to France with my husband, Jack, where we stayed in a charming little village in the countryside. We were exploring the local market one morning when we came across a small bakery tucked away in a corner.

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing us closer to the quaint little shop. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the sight of rows upon rows of golden brown loaves of bread, displayed on wooden shelves. The baker, a kind old man with a twinkle in his eye, welcomed us with a warm smile and invited us to sample some of his delicious creations.

One bite of his French Rolls and I was instantly transported back to my childhood, where my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, kneading dough and baking bread for our family. I knew I had to learn the secret behind these light and fluffy rolls, so I asked the baker if he would be willing to share his recipe with me.

To my surprise, he agreed without hesitation and led me to the back of the shop where he kept his treasured recipe book. As he flipped through the pages, pointing out the ingredients and instructions, I listened intently, hanging on his every word. I made sure to take detailed notes, wanting to capture every nuance of the recipe.

After thanking the baker profusely for his generosity, Jack and I left the bakery with a bag of freshly baked French Rolls in hand, along with the precious recipe that I couldn't wait to try out for myself. Back at our cozy little cottage, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, determined to recreate the magic of those rolls in my own kitchen.

The key, I soon discovered, was in the technique. The dough needed to be kneaded just right, with a gentle touch and a patient hand. The secret ingredient, as the baker had revealed to me, was a touch of honey that added a subtle sweetness to the rolls. The proofing process was crucial as well, allowing the dough to rise and develop its airy texture.

As the rolls baked in the oven, filling the cottage with the irresistible scent of warm bread, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I had unlocked the mystery behind the French Rolls, thanks to the kindness of a stranger and the magic of a shared recipe.

Since that day, I have made these rolls countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of homemade bread baking to the next generation. And every time I take a bite of those golden brown rolls, I am transported back to that tiny bakery in the French countryside, where a kind old baker shared his secret with me.

So, here it is, my beloved recipe for French Rolls, a treasured gem that has been passed down through generations and holds a special place in my heart. May it bring you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!