| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 298 | 8.4g | 2g | 46.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5.4g | 2.2g | 9.8g | 0.8g |
About Onion Roll
A Love Letter to the Onion Roll
When one thinks of bread, they often default to the staples: the white, the whole grain, the rye. Yet, often overlooked but equally deserving of praise is the humble Onion Roll. Wrapped within its rustic exterior is a warm, savory surprise filled with the marriage of bread and onion, a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined in perfect harmony. This is bread that comforts, that nourishes, and that satiates, all the while offering a subtle twist to the classic bread roll blueprint. It is more than just a side, it’s a showstopper.
The Magic Within the Onion Roll
What makes the Onion Roll truly unique is its choice of flavoring: the onion. The inclusion of this aromatic vegetable adds a depth of flavor often missing in everyday bread. Chopped finely and dispersed throughout, every bite of this bread tells a story of time, patience, and dedication. In addition to this, the optional sprinkling of sesame seeds brings an added crunch and nuttiness that plays beautifully with the soft and subtly sweet onion-filled center.
But bread is never just about the ingredients. Yes, the yeast, flour, and eggs play their dutiful role in creating the body and structure, but it is the methods, the kneading and proofing, that coax these simple ingredients into a culinary delight. The Onion Roll is no different in this respect. It is the gentle folding in of the onion, the patient resting period, and the delicate shaping into rolls that elevates this bread from the realm of ordinary to extraordinary.
Discovering the Onion Roll
Perhaps you are already familiar with the Onion Roll. Maybe you’ve tasted it before in a bakery or at a family gathering. Or perhaps this bread is a new discovery. Either way, it is one that is worth exploring time and again. It shares its rich, caramelized flavor profile with classic dishes like French Onion Soup, and thus, pairs wonderfully with the same.
But don’t limit your culinary exploration of the Onion Roll. Try it as your new go-to sandwich bread, toasted to perfection and layered with your favorite spreads and fillings. Pair it with a hearty stew or soup, using it as the perfect vessel to soak up the savory broth. Or simply enjoy it as it is, a perfect piece of bread with its fluffy interior and golden-brown crust. And if you’re feeling real adventurous, dive into this Food & Wine’s recipe for the Ultimate Onion Cheese Sandwich, using the Onion Roll in all its glory.
The Onion Roll is a testament to bread’s universally comforting and satisfying role in our culinary lives. With a deep appreciation for simplicity, a love of flavor, and a humble nod to the humble onion, this roll is sure to enthrall your taste buds and warm your heart. Embrace it, enjoy it, and let the Onion Roll lead you on a delightful culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
Step Two
Add the salt, vegetable oil, and lightly beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well until combined. Start adding the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing it in until a soft dough forms.
Step Three
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Step Four
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, around 1-1.5 hours.
Step Five
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a skillet, cook the finely chopped onion in melted butter until softened and light brown. Set aside to cool.
Step Six
Punch the dough down and divide into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle, place some onions in the center, gather up the edges and pinch to seal. Arrange the rolls seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
Step Seven
Brush the tops of the rolls with any leftover onion and butter mixture, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the rolls from the oven, let them cool slightly on wire racks. Serve warm.
