Sicilian Panini Buns

DIRECTIONS

• Stir together the water, yeast, and sugar.
• Set aside until the yeast blooms, about 5 minutes.
• Place 3 cups of the flour and the salt in a mixing bowl.
• Add the yeast mixture and the oil, and stir to form a sticky dough.
• Knead, adding the remaining flour a little at a time, until the dough becomes a smooth, elastic ball, about about 5 to 8 minutes.
• If you use an electric mixer, combine the ingredients with the paddle attachment and then change to the dough hook.
• Add the flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and comes away from the sides of the bowl, about 2 to 4 minutes.
• Turn the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a dry cloth or plastic wrap.
• Let rise in a draft free spot until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Once the dough has risen, lift it out and cut into 8 equal balls.
• Shape into flat 5-inch rounds for buns, or 6-inch oblongs for a hero- or hoagie-style rolls.
• Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with a dry cloth.
• Let rise in a draft free spot for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Gently glaze the buns with the egg and sprinkle with the sesame seeds, if desired.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.
• Transfer to a cooling rack until ready to use.