BBQ Bread Rolls (Roosterkoek)
We are calling this recipe fresh BBQ Bread Rolls (as it is much easier to say), but it is basically a simplified version of a South African recipe called Roosterkoek. Try saying that word! Roosterkoek is of course an Afrikaans word and is pronounced “roor-stir-cook”. Translated it basically means grill cake and is a traditional bread that Afrikaans South Africans make when having a braai (you know, a BBQ). Roosterkoek is traditionally made with sunflower oil and yeast which of course require a bit more time and effort. While out and about exploring, keeping meal prep as simple as possible is always best. So, we have simplified this recipe to use four easy to store ingredients and requires little effort to make. Cooking these is super simple and only requires a grill on either a gas BBQ or a firepit grill over charcoal or hot coals. This is basically damper bread on the grill. The result is fantastic so definitely try this one on your next adventure.
Ingredients
The below ingredients will make approximately 2 to 3 BBQ bread rolls depending on how big you want to make them. Increase the ingredients if you are wanting to make more.
- 1 cup self raising flour
- 1-2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Small amount of water
Method
To start, add the below ingredients to a bowl. Do not add the water yet.
- 1 cup of self raising flour
- 1-2 tablespoons of butter
- Approximately 1 teaspoon of salt
Using one hand combine all the ingredients. You will need to break the butter up between your fingers as you mix the flour, butter, and salt. Continue to combine the ingredients until the butter is combined with the flour and salt. Once the ingredients have been mixed, add a splash of water, and continue to combine with your one hand. Do not add too much water initially as this could make the mixture to soft. If more water is needed add another splash of water. You should only be adding around 1/4 to a 1/3 of a cup of water to end up with the right mix.
Once the water and flour mixture have been combined you should have a nice dough, knead the dough with your fingers or fist for a couple of minutes to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. When you have finished kneading the dough, separate the dough into 2 or 3 pieces. We find that 1 cup of flour will make 2 to 3 BBQ bread rolls depending on how big you want them. Once separated, roll the dough in your hands, and then squash the dough so it looks like a scone as per the pictures below. Then let the dough sit covered for at least 30 minutes allowing it to rise slightly.
Cooking the BBQ Bread Rolls
To cook the Fresh BBQ Bread Rolls, simply place them on your grill. You can cook them on a gas BBQ or over charcoal; charcoal is better. After approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the heat, turn the BBQ bread roll over. Cook the other side for another 5-10 minutes. The bread roll will be cooked when you have a nice hard crust on both sides and when tapping your finger on the roll you hear a hollow sound.
Serving
Make sure you eat your freshly made rolls as soon as you take them off the grill. When serving your freshly cooked BBQ bread cools, cut them in half and add a bit of butter to your liking; for me that means lots of butter. Then make sure you allow the butter to melt. Have these fresh BBQ bread rolls as a super tasty and fresh side. We guarantee that you will not be disappointed with this recipe.
If you have any feedback or questions then please comment below this post. Thanks for reading legends.
Recipe and method by Peter.