Best Semmel Rolls Bavarian Bread Rolls Recipes

GERMAN BROTCHEN ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit until creamy; about 10 minutes.
• Mix in shortening, salt and 3 cups of the flour. Beat with dough whisk or heavy spoon for 2 minutes. Fold in egg whites. Gradually add flour 1/4 cup at a time, until dough forms a mass and begins to pull away from bowl. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead, adding more flour as necessary, for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic with bubbles.
• Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Deflate the dough, form into a round and let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and form into oval rolls about 3 1/2 inches long. Place on lightly greased baking sheets, cover and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
• Place an empty baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white with the 2 tablespoons of milk to make the egg wash. Lightly brush the risen rolls with the egg wash. Place 1 cup of ice cubes on the hot baking sheet in the oven and immediately place the rolls in the oven.
• Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and cool.

AUTHENTIC BAVARIAN SEMMEL KNOEDEL (BREAD DUMPLINGS)

Steps:

• Slice the rolls into 1/4-inch thickness.
• Place slices into a large bowl and pour the warm milk over; let soak for 10 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the parsley and season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Pour parsley mixture into bread/milk mixture and knead together, then wet your hands and form the dough into four round dumplings.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Place dumplings carefully into the water and simmer (do not boil) for 15 minutes, until done.
• Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon into a colander to drain.
• Serve with stew or goulash or gravy.
• Note: You can make Bretzen Knoedel (Bavarian Pretzel Dumplings) by substituting about 2 cups of soft pretzels (large, soft bakery style), for the French rolls.