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German Hard Rolls (Brotchen)

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Sun, 25 Feb 2024 21:45:28 -0800
v124.n004.7
* Exported from MasterCook *

                       Rolls, German Hard   Brotchen

Recipe By     :Jennifer McGavin
Serving Size  : 40    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Bread-Bakers Mailing List       Ethnic
                 Fatfree                         Muffins/Rolls
                 Posted                          Stand Mixer

   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2               cups  bread flour
   1 1/3            cup  cold tap water
      1/2      teaspoon  instant yeast
   5 1/2           cups  flour
   1 1/3            cup  water -- plus more if needed
   1           teaspoon  instant yeast
   1 1/2      teaspoons  salt

"Kipfen -  wecken - semmel - weggli - schrippe - feierabend brotchen 
- rundstuck"  - these are all German words for the very common small, 
white round roll that you see in breakfast bread baskets in Germany 
and Austria. A lean dough and steam in the oven help create the 
special taste of the crisp roll, and an overnight sponge gives these 
rolls a deeper dimension.

If you are serving a brunch, these rolls can easily be ready in time. 
And you can always freeze them and re-crisp in the oven just before serving.

Prep: 18:30
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 18:55

Mix the bread flour, cold water and 1/2 teaspoon yeast in a bowl 
until it is smooth and lump-free.

Cover with plastic wrap or plate (not airtight) and let this mix sit 
on the counter overnight.

The next day, or 8 to 24 hours later, mix the sponge (the flour and 
yeast mixture) with 5 cups of flour, 1 1/3 cups water and 1 teaspoon yeast.

Knead for 8 minutes, preferably with a stand mixer.

Add up to another half cup of flour until the dough clears the bowl 
-- meaning it doesn't stick to the sides much.

Sprinkle the salt over the dough and mix for 4 more minutes You can 
decrease the salt to 1 teaspoon if you wish.

The consistency of the dough should be smooth but tacky. Adjust with 
water, a teaspoon at a time, or flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Form the dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl or dough 
doubler, turning once to coat.

Place a damp towel or plastic wrap over the top.

Let the dough ferment for 2 hours at room temperature, or until it 
has doubled in size.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and form it into a log.

Cut 2 oz pieces with a bench knife or spatula. This will make about 
40 small rolls. If you want them a bit larger, cut 2 1/2- to 3 oz 
pieces. If you have a scale handy, weigh a few to be sure.

Let the pieces rest for a few minutes, then form them into balls or 
any other shape you like.

Coat the balls in flour and place on parchment paper about 2" apart.

Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another hour.

Preheat the oven, preferably with an oven stone, to 450F for 1 hour. 
Place an old pan on the bottom rack.

Slash the rolls with a serrated knife or razor blade.

Place the rolls in the oven on the next shelf up, directly on top of 
the stone if available or on a baking sheet if not.

Pour 1 cup of water into the old baking pan and close the door quickly.

Spray the sides of the oven with water two or three times in the 
first 5 minutes of baking using a regular spray bottle. Bake for 15 
to 20 more minutes, turning the baking sheet if necessary for even browning.

Cool the rolls on wire racks so that the bottoms don't get soggy.

Serve immediately; rolls should be eaten warm and crispy. You can 
freeze and re-crisp in a hot oven if you are not eating them the same 
day they are baked. To transport to a brunch or potluck, wrap them in 
a towel or fabric napkin in a basket.

S(Internet address):
   https://www.thespruceeats.com/german-hard-rolls-brotchen-recipe-1447218
                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 87 Calories; trace Fat (3.0% 
calories from fat); 3g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 
0mg Cholesterol; 81mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch).

NOTES : 2019 - 0104