Spring Onions with Herbs Rolls

These Spring Onions with Herbs Rolls are soft, pillowy, and filled with fresh spring onions and aromatic herbs. They’re perfect for celebrating the season’s bounty and make an excellent addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, these homemade rolls are easy to make and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are the epitome of comfort food with a spring twist. The subtle flavor of spring onions, combined with a medley of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, creates a fragrant and flavorful bread that’s light yet hearty. The texture is soft and airy, and the golden crust adds a satisfying crunch. These rolls are perfect for any meal and make an impression as a side dish or a snack. Whether served with soup, roasted chicken, or a spring salad, they’re sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast (ensure it’s fresh)

  • ½ cup warm water (about 110°F – should feel like a comfortable bath)

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ cup spring onions, finely chopped (both white and green parts)

  • 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, dill, and chives work wonderfully)

• For Finishing:

  • Extra olive oil for brushing (optional)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, so try again with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the foamy yeast mixture with olive oil and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms.

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently poked.

3. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Add the Onions and Herbs:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead in the chopped spring onions and fresh herbs until evenly distributed. Don’t overwork the dough.

5. Shape the Rolls:

• Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and shape them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.

• Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until they puff up.

6. Preheat the Oven:

• While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Bake the Rolls:

• Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with olive oil for a golden, shiny finish (optional).

• Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

8. Serve:

• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: Allow the rolls to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

• Day-Old Rolls: These rolls make excellent toast or can be used as sandwich bread.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spring Dinner: Serve these rolls alongside roasted chicken, fish, or a fresh vegetable salad.

• Soup Companion: Perfect for dunking in tomato soup, spring vegetable soup, or your favorite broth-based soups.

• Breakfast Treat: Split and toast with butter and jam for a delightful morning meal.

• Dinner Party: These homemade rolls make an impressive addition to any meal, and they’ll surely be remembered by guests.

Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):

• Lemon Herb Spring Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the herb mixture for a fresh citrusy kick.

• Garlic Spring Onion Rolls: Include 2 cloves of minced garlic along with the spring onions for a more aromatic, savory flavor.

• Cheese Herb Rolls: Mix ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the dough with the herbs for a cheesy, herb-filled treat.

• Everything Spring Rolls: Top with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a crunchy, flavorful crust.

What Makes This Recipe Special:

These rolls celebrate the European tradition of incorporating seasonal ingredients into daily bread-making. The combination of spring onions with fresh herbs creates a bread that is both sophisticated enough for entertaining yet simple enough for daily meals. The delicate addition of fresh ingredients at just the right moment preserves their flavor and color, while creating soft, pillowy rolls that everyone will love. This recipe is a great way to bring the essence of spring to your kitchen with minimal effort.