Easy Portuguese Dinner Rolls

Portuguese cuisine, with its bold flavors and simple elegance, has always captivated food enthusiasts. Today, we’re taking a classic Portuguese dinner roll and infusing it with global influences to create a truly unique culinary experience. This dish, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, is a testament to the power of culinary exploration.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm water (110°F)

1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

¼ cup olive oil

For the Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Image Source: wetravelportugal.com

Preparation:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle.
8. Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each rectangle. Roll up tightly, sealing the edges.
9. Second Rise: Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together melted butter, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
12. Glaze the Rolls: Brush the hot rolls with the glaze.

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Elegant Appetizer: Serve warm rolls with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Hearty Side Dish: Pair the rolls with roasted vegetables or a creamy soup.

Decadent Dessert: Top the rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

A Fusion of Flavors

This recipe is a harmonious blend of Portuguese simplicity and international flair. The hearty dough, inspired by traditional Portuguese bread, provides a perfect canvas for the rich and savory filling. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a touch of sophistication, while the red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick. This dish is a testament to the beauty of culinary fusion, where diverse traditions come together to create something truly extraordinary.