Zaatar & Garlic Rolls Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Savory Buns

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Zaatar & Garlic Rolls Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Savory Buns

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Zaatar & Garlic Rolls are seriously addictive. I first made these when I was craving something savory and a little different from the usual Indian breads, and they’ve been a hit ever since. They’re fluffy, fragrant, and bursting with flavour. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick snack, or even as a side with your favourite curry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average dinner rolls. The combination of zaatar and garlic is just chef’s kiss. They’re wonderfully soft, thanks to a simple dough, and the filling is unbelievably aromatic. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your regular baking rotation!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious rolls:

• 2 cup all-purpose flour (250g)
• ¾ cup water (180ml)
• ¾ tbsp instant yeast (approx. 7g)
• ¾ tsp salt (5g)
• 1-½ tbsp sugar (15g)
• 2 tbsp oil (30ml)
• 50 gm butter, softened
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp zaatar (dried thyme)
• A pinch of salt
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
• Milk, for brushing

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Zaatar: This is the star of the show! Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend, typically made with dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It has a wonderfully earthy, tangy, and herbaceous flavour. You can usually find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. If you can’t find it, a mix of dried thyme and sumac is a decent substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.
• Oil: I like to use a neutral-flavoured oil like sunflower or canola oil in the dough. You could also use olive oil for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving you a lovely soft texture. Using bread flour will result in a chewier roll.
• Yeast: Instant yeast is super convenient as it doesn’t need to be bloomed. If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to activate it in warm water with a little sugar first.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar. Knead everything together until you have a smooth dough.
2. Now, add the oil and knead again for a few minutes until the oil is fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly elastic.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean muslin cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
4. While the dough is rising, let’s make the filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic paste, zaatar, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.
5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions.
6. Roll each portion into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread half of the zaatar-garlic filling evenly over each rectangle.
7. Now, carefully roll each rectangle up tightly into a log.
8. Using a sharp knife, cut each log into four equal pieces.
9. Grease an 8-inch cake pan and arrange the rolls inside.
10. Cover the pan with a muslin cloth and let the rolls rise again for another 20-25 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
12. Before baking, sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds and brush them lightly with milk. This will give them a beautiful golden colour.
13. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
14. Let them cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-knead the dough, or it will become tough.
• Make sure your butter is properly softened for the filling – it should be easy to spread.
• If you don’t have a muslin cloth, a clean kitchen towel will work just fine.
• Keep a close eye on the rolls while they’re baking, as ovens can vary.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and your favourite plant-based milk alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the filling for a little extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves this!
• Festival Adaptation: These rolls are fantastic served during Eid or Christmas as a savory treat alongside festive dishes.

Serving Suggestions

These Zaatar & Garlic Rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with:

• A bowl of warm soup
• Your favourite Indian curry
• A simple salad
• A cup of chai (of course!)

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Zaatar and where can I find it? Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend with a unique flavour. You can find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Can I freeze these rolls after baking? Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• What type of oil is best for this recipe? A neutral-flavoured oil like sunflower or canola oil works best.
• How can I adjust the garlic flavour? Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic paste to your liking. If you want a milder flavour, use less garlic.

I really hope you enjoy these Zaatar & Garlic Rolls! Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you. Happy baking!