Cooking is a blend of creativity, tradition, and skill. While many recipes demand a long list of ingredients and complex steps, the beauty of simplicity often shines the brightest. This recipe, made primarily with flour and water, is a testament to the power of basic ingredients when handled with care and a touch of creativity. So much so, it earned me a medal!

Let me walk you through this extraordinary recipe—a quick, easy, and delicious way to create soft, cheesy rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

The Foundation: Simple Ingredients, Big Potential 🌾💧

This recipe begins with the most humble ingredients: flour, water, milk, and yeast. These staples, often overlooked, form the backbone of countless culinary delights.

·         The Base Mixture:
Start by mixing 250 ml of warm water, 250 ml of warm milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 10 g of dry yeast in a bowl. Warm liquids are essential here, as they activate the yeast, creating the rise and fluffiness that make these rolls irresistible. The sugar not only adds a hint of sweetness but also feeds the yeast, ensuring a perfect dough every time.

·         Adding Richness:
Incorporating 200 ml of vegetable oil adds a soft, tender texture to the dough, ensuring the rolls are light and moist.

·         The Flour and Salt:
Sifting 700 g of wheat flour with 1 teaspoon of salt into the mixture ensures a smooth, lump-free dough. The salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar.

The Art of Kneading: Creating the Perfect Dough 🤲

Kneading is where the magic happens.

·         Mixing the Dough:
Begin by stirring the ingredients with a spatula until they come together into a cohesive mixture. At this stage, the dough will be sticky and rough.

·         Adding More Flour:
Sift an additional 100 g of wheat flour onto the surface and knead the dough by hand. The goal is to create a smooth, elastic dough that feels soft yet firm to the touch.

·         Letting It Rest:
Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with vegetable oil, cover it with cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour. This resting period allows the yeast to ferment, doubling the dough in size and creating a light, airy texture.

Shaping and Filling: The Fun Part 🧀

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into rolls and add the cheesy filling.

·         Dividing the Dough:
Remove any accumulated gases by gently pressing the dough. Divide it into 18 equal parts and shape each piece into a small ball.

·         Rolling and Filling:
Roll out two dough balls into flat circles. Add grated cheese to the center of one circle, then cover it with the second circle. Pinch the edges to seal the cheese inside, ensuring it won’t leak out during baking.

·         Preparing for Baking:
Place the filled dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to puff up slightly, ensuring a soft texture.

Decoration and Baking: Adding the Final Touch 🌟

The decoration is what elevates these rolls from simple to medal-worthy.

·         Egg Wash and Olives:
Crack an egg and brush it over the surface of the rolls. This gives them a glossy, golden-brown finish. Add olives as decoration, pressing them gently into the dough.

·         Baking:
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20-25 minutes. The smell of freshly baked bread, cheese, and olives will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible anticipation.

Serving and Enjoying: A Medal-Worthy Moment 🏅

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These cheese-filled delights are perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a light dinner. The combination of soft, fluffy bread and gooey, melted cheese is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Medal 🌟

1.      Simplicity:
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need a fully stocked pantry to create something extraordinary.

2.      Speed and Ease:
The straightforward steps and minimal prep time make this recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

3.      Versatility:
While cheese and olives are the suggested fillings, you can easily experiment with other ingredients like herbs, garlic butter, or even sweet fillings like chocolate or jam.

4.      Universal Appeal:
These rolls are perfect for any occasion—breakfast, brunch, a quick snack, or a side dish for dinner.

5.      Visual Appeal:
The golden-brown crust, shiny egg wash, and decorative olives make these rolls as beautiful as they are delicious.

A Personal Connection

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the medal it earned me, but because of the joy it brings to those who taste it. Every time I make these rolls, I’m reminded of the power of food to bring people together.

The first time I presented this dish, it was at a local baking competition. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the judges were blown away by the taste, texture, and presentation. One judge even remarked, “This is a reminder of how the simplest things in life can be the most delightful.”

Variations to Try

For those who like to experiment, here are some variations to explore:

1.      Herb and Garlic Rolls:
Mix chopped garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant twist.

2.      Sweet Rolls:
Replace the cheese filling with a dollop of Nutella or fruit preserves for a dessert version.

3.      Stuffed Rolls:
Add cooked, seasoned ground meat or sautéed vegetables for a more filling option.

4.      Seed-Topped Rolls:
Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This recipe for flour-and-water rolls is proof that greatness doesn’t require complexity. With a few basic ingredients, a bit of time, and a lot of love, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also worthy of recognition.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast idea, a tasty snack, or a versatile dish for entertaining, these cheese-filled rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to wow your family and friends with this medal-winning recipe! 🥐🏅