Rosemary Gerry Rolls

These delightful rolls are soft and fragrant with fresh rosemary, and baking them in a cast iron pan gives them that perfect golden crust. They make a lovely side for any meal!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and chopped rosemary.
   • Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough starts to form.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

3. First Rise:

   • Add a little olive oil to a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat in oil.
   • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

4. Shape the Rolls:

   • Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (about 12-16).
   • Shape each piece into a round roll and place them in a greased cast iron skillet, leaving some space between each roll.

5. Second Rise:

   • Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.

6. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.

7. Bake the Rolls:

   • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for a lovely golden finish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

8. Serve:

   • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these fragrant Rosemary Gerry Rolls warm!

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