Monkey Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups warm water

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp yeast

½ cup oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

(an egg - optional)

extra flour for dusting

approximately ¼ -½ cup melted butter or margarine

Directions:

Measure 2 cups flour in a large mixing bowl,  add to it the sugar, salt and yeast. Stir to combine.

Add 2 cups warm water.

Stir till combined, resembles pancake batter. Let rest for 10 minutes.

  

Add ½ cup oil. 

Stir just to incorporate.

Add 3 cups flour. 

  

Stir with a spoon then use your hands, if needed.

Turn out onto a clean work surface.

Knead till smooth.

Flour your work surface if dough is too sticky 

Keep kneading till smooth.

You will want a soft dough, if you knead too slowly or stop kneading your dough will stick to your work surface. 

Dough will be smooth.

Gently poke the dough. 

If it springs back you’re finished kneading.

   

Lightly oil your bowl. 

  

Return dough to bowl.

Coat the dough with the oil.

Pat down dough slightly. 

Cover with plastic  and a towel, leave it to rise till doubled, about an hour. 

 Once dough has doubled, uncover.

Turn out onto a clean work surface.

Gather the dough into a rope shape.

Squeeze dough through the top of your hand.

Pinch off a small ball. 

Continue with the rest of the dough until you have 24-30 balls. (the number depends on how big you make the balls) 

Place a ball in the palm of your hand. 

Pinch the underside of the dough until the top becomes smooth.

Do this with all the balls.

Melt some butter or margarine.

Dip each ball into the melted butter.

Place in a pan. A 14 inch round pan is used here.

Continue with the rest of the balls.

Placing them close together. 

Cover with plastic and a towel and let them rise about 35-45 minutes. 

Once risen again. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. These are ready to be baked now if you don't want to put any seeds on them.

 If you want to put seeds on the buns, beat an egg with a little water.

 Gently brush the buns with the egg wash.

Sprinkle seeds on the buns. You can use black seed, sesame seeds or poppy seeds or whatever else you like. Bake for about 12-15 minutes.

Brush the buns without seeds with melted butter. 

To serve, place on a platter or large round tray. Tear off pieces of monkey bread and ENJOY!