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Soft Spelt Dinner Rolls: A Taste of Home

The scent of freshly baked bread, warm and yeasty, has always been a source of comfort and nostalgia for me. As a child, I remember watching my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, as she transformed simple ingredients into golden loaves of bread. These soft spelt dinner rolls, with their subtly sweet flavor and delicate crumb, evoke that same feeling of warmth and homemade goodness. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a comforting bowl of soup, a hearty stew, or simply enjoyed on their own with a smear of your favorite vegan butter.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 26-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Yield: 8-10 rolls
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (filtered)
4 tablespoons raw sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast (Red Star)
1 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup vegan margarine (Earth Balance)
1 tablespoon egg substitute (Ener-G)
1 tablespoon sea salt (Celtic)
4-5 cups spelt flour
1/4 cup unbleached white flour
1/2 cup soy powder (optional)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Dough hook (optional)
8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
Damp towel or plastic wrap

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and raw sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Gently stir in the dry yeast. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. You should observe some yeast and bubbles rising to the surface.
Mix in 1 cup of spelt flour into the yeast mixture.
Add the egg substitute and melted vegan margarine. Mix thoroughly using a paddle attachment or a sturdy spoon.
Stir in the sea salt and the optional soy powder (if using).
Gradually mix in the remaining spelt flour and the unbleached white flour. Continue adding flour until the dough forms a ball that barely sticks to the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface or switch to a dough hook attachment on your mixer.
Knead the dough for 6 minutes. Let the dough rest for a few minutes. While it rests, lightly oil a large mixing bowl.
Knead the dough for another 6 minutes. This develops the gluten and results in a softer roll.
Place the dough ball in the oiled bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. This prevents the dough from drying out during rising.
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Knead the dough lightly to remove any large air bubbles.
Cover the dough and let it rise again for approximately half the time of the first rise (about 1 hour).
Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with oil or vegan margarine.
Pull off pieces of dough slightly larger than a golf ball. Roll each piece in your hands to form a smooth, round top.
Arrange the dough balls side by side in the prepared baking pan. In an 8×8 pan, you can typically fit 4 rows of 4 rolls. In a 9×9 pan, you can arrange 5 rows of 5 slightly smaller rolls.
Cover the pan with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 26 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The key to soft rolls is not over-baking them. Check them frequently during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown but still soft to the touch.
To ensure even rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free environment. An oven that has been slightly warmed and then turned off is ideal.
If you don’t have soy powder, you can omit it without significantly affecting the recipe. It adds a slight richness and tenderness to the rolls.
If your dough seems too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dry.
For a richer flavor, brush the tops of the rolls with melted vegan butter before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These soft spelt dinner rolls are delicious served warm with vegan butter, jam, or alongside your favorite soups and stews. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To extend their shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	41.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	873.6 mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	9.7 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	6.3 g	25%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Rolls: While this recipe uses spelt flour, which contains gluten, you can adapt it by using a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right dough consistency.
Sweet Potato Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of mashed cooked sweet potato to the dough for a slightly sweet and moist variation.
Herb and Garlic Rolls: Mix in 1 tablespoon of minced fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for a savory flavor.
Different Vegan Margarine: You can experiment with different vegan margarine brands for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure that the one you use is formulated for baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the step of proofing it in warm water and sugar. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Q: Why is my dough not rising?
A: There are a few reasons why your dough might not be rising. The yeast could be old or inactive. Make sure your yeast is fresh and has not expired. Also, the water might have been too hot, which can kill the yeast, or the environment might be too cold.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will slow down the rising process. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.

Q: What if I don’t have egg substitute?
A: If you don’t have an egg substitute, you can try using applesauce (1 tablespoon) as a binder. Keep in mind the final product may have a slightly different texture.

Q: Can I freeze the baked rolls?
A: Yes, these rolls freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to try this recipe for soft spelt dinner rolls. The process of kneading and shaping the dough is incredibly therapeutic, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is simply divine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own signature rolls. Share your creations with friends and family and let them experience the joy of homemade goodness. These rolls pair beautifully with a warm bowl of lentil soup on a cold evening. Bon appétit!

Soft Spelt Dinner Rolls Recipe