Bolillos

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough starts to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long oval loaf, tapering the ends slightly. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.

5. Cover the loaves with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg white to give them a shiny finish.

7. Using a sharp knife or blade, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts across the top of each roll to allow for proper expansion during baking.

8. Bake the bolillos in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the bolillos from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these warm, crusty rolls with your favorite spreads, fillings, or just by themselves for a taste of true comfort.