Mix the dough directly in the container it will prove in - make sure it is big enough for the dough to rise. I use a 3-litre lidded plastic tub.
Blend the egg and cottage cheese together in a mini chopper or similar. This step can easily be skipped - I only do it so my girls don't notice the cottage cheese;) The ingredients can also be mixed straight into the dough.
Dissolve the yeast in the water and add the oil, egg and cottage cheese.
Add the flour and salt, preferably in a couple of batches, and stir the dough well with a spoon.Make sure the flour is fully worked into the dough - if needed, wet your hand with a little water and help the dough along.If the dough seems too firm, you can add up to 50 ml extra water – add a little at a time. Different flours absorb liquid differently.
Put the lid on and leave the dough to rise for about half an hour on the kitchen counter before placing it in the fridge overnight.
Day 2
Take the dough out of the fridge and let it lose some of its chill while the oven heats up. The dough can stay in the tub.I use a baking steel for these rolls, which needs to heat up in the oven - alternatively, heat the baking tray in the oven.
Dip a tablespoon in cold water, scoop up dollops of dough and place them on a sheet of baking paper. You should end up with 9-10 rolls per batch.If you have time, you can let the rolls prove for a further 20 minutes or so under a tea towel – but this is not a must.
Sprinkle the tops of the dough with sesame and poppy seeds, and bake in a preheated conventional oven (top and bottom heat) at 230°C for about 18-20 minutes.
Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, then store them in an airtight bag.The rolls can also be frozen.