Method
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the oil and the yeast mixture.
- Beat the flour into the liquid and gather the mixture into a ball.
- Turn dough out on a floured board.
- Knead and slap the dough until it is smooth and elastic (like a baby's bottom).
- While kneading, add a little more flour, if necessary.
- Dough must be smooth, elastic, and not sticky.
- Gather dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Set the bowl in a warm place, cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.
- Oil a 9-inch square-baking pan.
- Punch dough down, and knead a little.
- Pull off pieces of dough about the size of golf balls.
- Shape into balls, place side by side (sides touching) in the oiled pan and let rise again (for about 45 minutes).
- There will be 12 to 16 rolls.
Tip:
- After the first rising, dough can be punched down and refrigerated or frozen. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. when you think the rolls are about ready to bake [about 15 minutes ahead of time].
- Melt the butter. Brush lightly over the tops of the rolls.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds liberally over them.
- Bake for about 35 minutes.
- Be sure the middle rolls are done before you take the pan from the oven.
Variations:
Use poppy or caraway seeds instead of sesame seeds.