BUN
Making homemade buns can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's a basic recipe for soft, fluffy buns:
### Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
### Instructions:
1. **Activate Yeast:**
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. **Mix Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the egg, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. **Knead Dough:**
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. **First Rise:**
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. **Shape Buns:**
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have enough space to rise.
6. **Second Rise:**
- Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
7. **Preheat Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. **Bake:**
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
9. **Cool and Serve:**
- Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
### Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can brush the buns with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
- If you want to make them slightly sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
- To make them savory, consider adding herbs or cheese to the dough.
Enjoy your homemade buns!
