Rustic artisan bread rolls with sun-dried tomatoes

It's the season for indoors activities such as baking in Autumnally Europe - and it's the beginning BBQ season in the UAE.
These rolls are perfect as companions with many different types of meals and especially great as rolls for a BBQ. 
They are even delicious on their own with or without butter or i.e. cheese spread.

This recipe is my very own creation although you might be able to find a product in a bakery or in a supermarket that has (almost) the same properties. I have called them: "Italian-inspired rustic artisan bread rolls with sun dried tomatoes". Italian because of the herby and garlicky content. They are not particularly Danish at all, but they go very well with a variety of Danish dishes because of its savory properties and delicious harmonic flavors. The rolls are best when heated in the oven before serving. They have a great crusty surface and are amazingly soft inside. They are the perfect companion to Italian dishes like lasagna al forno, carbonara and other pasta dishes. You can even eat them as a snack with butter and/or cheese or eat them with some nice, homemade tzatziki.

Ingredients: (12-16 pcs.)                                   

400g all purpose flour                                        
6 dry sun dried tomatoes
25g fresh yeast or 20g dry yeast
3 cloves crushed garlic
2 tbsp(!) dried oregano (Yes: a LOT. Fresh does not work well here.)
2 tbsp olive oil
200ml lukewarm water
2 tbsp low fat milk
1 tbsp dried rosemary

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely. You can use a small food processor. Make sure you use the variey which is dry - not kept in a jar with oil or brine. Put the lukewarm water in a bowl, add the yeast. If using fresh yeast, make sure it is dissolved in the water by stirring with a tablespoon. Add the oil, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano and garlic. The add the flour little by little whilst stirring with the spoon. Hold a bit flour back and make sure the dough does not get too firm. It should still be a bit sticky. Let rest in a warm spot for 30mins. On a flour covered table, work the dough through for a couple of minutes, then roll it out as a "sausage". Cut it into 12-16 portions. Form each piece of dough to a small roll. Place on a owen dish covered with baking paper. 
Set the owen at 200C. While it heats up, leave the rolls on top for a second rise for approximately 15-20mins. Pestle the rolls with the milk and sprinkle rosemary on top of each roll. 
Bake for 10-12mins. Leave to cool down.

The reason for using the relatively big amount of oregano is that most of the fragile, volatile oils in the herb will evaporate during the baking process leaving only a warm, savory and pleasant hint in the finished rolls. The same happens to the garlic.

Tip: the rolls freeze very well and can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months. Take a few rolls up and heat in the oven at 150C for 4 mins whenever you need them.

Tip: use a spray-bottle with cold water with a couple of squirts (lol) 2-3 times while the rolls are baking. This gives a great crust and a very soft roll.

Ingredients as QR-Code:

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