Description
These Savory Orange Buns feature a delicate balance of citrus aroma infused into a soft, elastic dough, creating a flavorful and slightly zesty bread perfect for breakfast or snacks. The dough is gently kneaded with olive oil infused with fresh orange zest and baked to a golden perfection, offering a unique twist on traditional buns with a subtle sweet-savory flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- ¾ cup lukewarm water (divided; plus 2-3 tablespoons more if needed)
- ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2¾ tablespoons light olive oil (35g)
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1-1½ medium oranges (for zest and flavor infusion)
Instructions
- Prepare Orange-Infused Oil: Thoroughly wash the oranges and carefully remove the zest, avoiding the white pith. Cut the zest into small pieces and steep them in the gently warmed olive oil to intensify the orange aroma.
- Activate Yeast and Form Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, add ¼ cup lukewarm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then stir to combine. Add the flour and remaining water, then start kneading. Slowly add the orange-infused oil and salt while kneading. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more water or flour as needed to adjust the dough consistency.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, sprinkle with a little flour, cover, and let it rise in a warm draft-free area until it doubles in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Shape Buns: Lightly roll out the risen dough and cut into squares weighing about 1¼-1½ ounces (35-40g) each. Slightly round off the corners to form buns and arrange them on a baking sheet. Dust lightly with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake the Buns: Bake the buns for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve slightly warm. Enjoy your savory orange buns!
Notes
- If the dough feels too dry, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, during kneading.
- If the dough feels too wet or sticky, add more flour gradually, a tablespoon at a time.
- Using fresh orange zest is key for the best citrus aroma; avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
- The buns can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.