Artisanal Kaiser Rolls - Wiener Kaisersemmel

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The Kaiser roll, also known as the Emperor roll or Kaisersemmel in German, or even referred to as a Vienna roll or Wiener Kaisersemmel, is a classic and beloved Austrian bread officially recognized and approved by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. This delicious and crispy roll is made using a combination of white bread flour, yeast, malt, water, and salt, resulting in a delightful and flavorful texture. One distinctive feature of the Kaisersemmel is its top side, which is typically adorned with a symmetrical pattern consisting of five segments. These segments are separated by elegant curved cuts that radiate from the center outward, reminiscent of a regal crown. Whether enjoyed on its own or used as a vessel for mouthwatering sandwiches or hamburger buns, making Kaisers is a delightful activity that the whole family can participate in and enjoy. Children, in particular, will find these rolls irresistible, ensuring that they will quickly become a family favorite for meals and snacks alike.

I would like to take a moment to wholeheartedly dedicate this recipe to my dear and cherished Austrian friend, Eric. For over four decades, Eric has served as a constant source of inspiration, not only for me but also for my dear friend Ulrike. With his brilliant mind and artistic essence, he has effortlessly embraced multiple realms, including being an amazing wood carver, a visionary architect, and an ingenious home builder in the beautiful landscapes of Canada. What sets Eric apart is his unwavering belief that a home should never be a mere product of mass production, but rather a genuine reflection of one's true self, even if it takes you the whole life to build it. His fervent passion and relentless dedication to individualism have touched the lives of many, including mine. Eric, if you happen to read this, I sincerely hope this recipe brings you a sense of joy and solace during your recovery. May it remind you of the serene landscapes and picturesque views of Atlin, BC, a place where you have spent countless beautiful moments. So here's to you, dear Eric, and may you restore your health soon, allowing you to once again bask in the tranquility and splendor of Atlin, BC, a place that always takes you back to your beautiful homeland, Austria.

Kaiser Rolls - Wiener Kaisersemmel

By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: June 08, 2023

Preparation Time: 2 hours

Baking Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 18 kaiser rolls (75g each)

Main Tool: Danish Whisk

Ingredients:

800g unbleached white bread flour
30g fresh yeasts
2 tsp malt powder diastatic - helps yeast grow efficiently during fermentation for a good strong rise and a tender texture.
16g sea salt
10g unpasteurized honey or dandelion honey
100g 2% milk
380g water
30g unsalted butter
75g fermented white dough or sourdough (optional) brings more subtle flavor
poppy seeds or sesame seeds for topping, and water spray bottle

Instructions:

Mix flour with sea salt and malt powder in the bowl.
Rub fresh yeasts into the flour.
Add starter and chopped butter to flour and rub the ingredients to make light to the touch flakes.
Add milk, water and honey in to the flour mixture. Mix it with the danish whish until well combined.
With help of your scraper, turn the dough onto a work surface. Work the dough for 10 minutes. Fold into into a ball.
Place the dough back into floured bowl and cover it with linen towel. Let it rest for 1 hour in warm and draft free kitchen until double in size.
Preheat the oven to 220°C or approx. 425°F.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Gently deflate the dough and divide the dough into 18 equal pieces-75g each. Shape the pieces into round balls, and cover them with linen towel in order to prevent from drying. Let it rest for 15 minutes. This will help to ease the process of folding the Kaiser roll. Unless you want to take a short cut and use a kaiser stamp and by pass my next step.
Press each ball in to a flat circle. Place your thumb in the middle pointing from the outside to the centre of the dough and fold the dough over your thumb. This will create a half circle and a little cave with your thumb in it. I like using a wooden stirrer as it gives me a stronger fold.(please refer to my pictures above).
Now with the edge of your other hand, press the dough right next to your thumb to half the side with and without your thumb. Take the side without your thumb and fold it over itself. Repeat this process four times creating four folds.
Now remove your thumb from the dough and place the last fifth fold in to the empty hole where your thumb was. Pinch it together and lightly round of the bread roll.
Place the rolls folded side down (this helps them retain their shape) onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the rolls, and allow them to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they've almost doubled in volume.
In meantime, place an oven safe dish filled with water in the bottom of your oven. This will create steam during the baking process which in turn will help the dough rise evenly.
Turn the rolls folded-side up. Mist each roll with spring water, and coat with poppy or sesame seeds.
Mist the oven before and after placing kaiser rolls in the oven. Make sure to protect you oven glass door from cracking by covering it with thick bath towel while using water spray.
Bake the rolls for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they're golden brown and feel light to the touch. Remove them from the oven, and cool on a rack.
Enjoy it!
Guten Appetit!

Nutrition Facts per One Servings 🧡

Calories 178| Fat 1.9 g \ Saturated Fat 1.5g\ Cholesterol 4 mg\ Sodium 357 mg\ Total Carbohydrate 35.1g\ Dietary Fiber 1.6g\ Total Sugars 0.5g\ Protein 5.6 g \ Vitamin D 1 mcg\ Calcium 2 mg\ Iron 2 mg\ Potassium 34 mg