I love a big, greasy burger.  The problem is that the bun I serve it on is usually lacking either in flavor or nutritional value.  I stumbled across a Whole Wheat Hamburger Bun recipe online, but wanted to incorporate some barley flour as well.  I made some ingredient and method modifications, and found the rolls turned out very well.  I made a large batch and stored some in the freezer for later use.

Ingredients

3 c. Whole Wheat Flour

2 c. Barley Flour

1 1/2 c. Warm Water

2 pkts. Active Dry Yeast

2 Tb. Honey

1/4 c. Warm Water

1/2 c. Half and Half

2 Tb. Butter

1 1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Egg Yolk

2 tsp. Cold Water

Method

In a large bowl, mix 3 c. Whole Wheat Flour and 1 1/2 c. Warm Water and let rest for 10 min.

Meanwhile, mix together 1/4 c. Warm Water (100-115 degrees), Yeast, and Honey.  Let rest for 5 min. until bubbly.

Melt Butter, Half and Half, and Salt in a small saucepan on the stove, not allowing the mixture to get above 120 degrees.

Add Yeast mixture and Half and Half mixture to the Whole Wheat Flour.

*I used my KitchenAid Mixer at this point

Start the knead cycle on the mixer, and add 2 c. Barley Flour 1/2 c. at a time.  Knead for 5 min.

Scrape the side of the bowl, cover, and let rest for 5 min.

Knead for 5 minutes more.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it has doubled in size.

Place dough on a floured surface, gently knead to remove air bubbles, and roll out to about 1 inch thickness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate the dough into equal parts (I used a pastry cutter and cut into 3 x 3 inch rectangles).

Form dough “balls,” and pull some dough over the top of the roll to form a “gluten cloak.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place on parchment paper, or a greased cookie sheet.

Allow to rise 30 minutes more.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix 1 Egg Yolk and 2 tsp cold water.  Brush tops of rolls.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.