These little bites of soft honee dough are the perfect pairing for literally any dish. A vegan honey substitute adds a rustic twist to a classic sweet roll, and the thyme provides the perfect savory accompaniment. Serve this knotted dough alongside anything from carrots to a spicy BBQ jackfruit. This easy petite baked good will elevate any dish. —LM + AM
MAKES 12 ROLLS
1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp (45 g) vegan butter
½ cup (120 ml) and 2 tbsp (30 ml) plain unsweetened almond milk, divided
1 egg equivalent of egg replacer
2 tbsp (28 g) and 1 tsp vegan honey substitute, we prefer Bee Free Honee, divided
1 tbsp (8 g) fresh thyme
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with the sugar. Allow the yeast to blossom for about 2 minutes.
Melt the vegan butter with ½ cup (120 ml) of almond milk in the microwave.
Combine the butter, almond milk, egg replacer, 2 tablespoons (45 g) of the honey, thyme and yeast/water in the stand mixer, and mix until a ball of dough forms. Begin adding flour to the mixture in ½-cup (60-g) increments.
Allow the dough to sit, covered, for an hour.
After the hour is up, punch the dough down and place it on an oiled surface. Using the oil instead of flour for kneading prevents the dough from becoming too dense.
Knead the dough and roll it out into a 12 x 12-inch (30 x 30-cm) square. Cut the dough into 10 long strips of dough. Begin tying knots in each piece of dough, roughly 4 or 5 knots, and then twist the dough into a wreath-like shape. This should look almost like a mini funnel cake. Place each twist on a lined baking sheet. Allow the twists to sit covered again for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
While the dough is rising, mix the remaining 1 teaspoon (7 g) honey with the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) almond milk. Heat the mixture in the microwave to make combining easier.
Once the dough is done rising, brush the honey/almond milk mixture over each of the knots. Place the knots in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.