This recipe for Lithuanian bacon buns or lasineciai is made with a soft roll dough stuffed with chopped cooked onion and bacon. It's considered a national dish of Lithuania and is one of the most popular breads. They can be eaten hot or at room temperature, and can be reheated in the oven. This is a perfect project for kids if an adult fries the bacon and onion.
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen Lithuanian Bacon Buns - Lasineciai
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen Lithuanian Bacon Buns - Lasineciai
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3/4 pounds bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 pound (1 stick) butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Preparation:
- In large skillet, place bacon and onion and barely cover with water. Cover the pan and let simmer until water has evaporated. Transfer entire contents of skillet (fat and all) to a container and refrigerate until cool.
- Meanwhile, scald the milk and mix in butter, sugar and salt. Cool to 110 degrees. Dissolve yeast in this milk mixture.
- Transfer to a large bowl or stand mixer. Add eggs and flour and beat vigorously with a Danish dough whisk, Batter Blender, wooden spoon or the paddle attachment of a mixer until smooth. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise until doubled. Punch down dough and let rise again.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut it in half and roll each section 3/8-inch thick. Cut circles of dough with a round cookie cutter. Place a tablespoon or so of cooled bacon mixture in center of dough circle. Fold edges over to completely cover the filling, and shaping into a ball. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with re-rolled scraps and other section of dough.
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Let rolls rise again, covered with greased plastic wrap. Bake 15-20 minutes. When rolls are lightly tan, brush them with 1 large egg yolk beaten with 2 teaspoons water. Return to oven and bake until golden brown. Serve hot, at room temperature or reheated in the oven.
