Hard crust bread recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 egg yolk (for coating)
  2 cups water
  2 eggs
  1 teaspoon sugar
  5 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
  2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) dry yeast
  2 teaspoons salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparation of Yeast Mix
Heat 2 cups of water to 110°F (43°C) – it should be warm to the touch but not boiling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir until the mixture turns into powder and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Mixing the dough
Add 2 eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Mix bread flour and salt in a separate bowl.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook of the mixer. Mix until a dough forms.

Kneading the dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth. If using a stand mixer, beat the flour on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

First proof
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume.

Shape the rolls.
Flatten the dough to remove air. Divide the dough into 12 equal parts.

Form each piece into a ball by pulling the edges towards the center and squeezing them together. Then roll the dough with your hands on the counter and turn it into a smooth ball.

Place the rolls on baking paper, leaving space between each roll.

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