English muffins, are a small, round, flat yeast-leavened bread which is commonly sliced horizontally, toasted, and buttered. In the United States and U.S.-influenced territories, they are called English muffins to distinguish them from U.S. muffins, which are larger and sweeter miniature baked quick breads. English muffins are slightly lower in calories than bread, at 127 calories per muffin versus 157 calories in two slices of wheat bread. For both foods, the majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, an efficient source of fuel for your brain, muscles and other tissues.
INSTRUCTIONS
Sift the flour and salt together into a bowl and stir in the sugar and yeast. Make a well in the center and add the water and yogurt. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together, then knead with your hands until it comes away from the side of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 – 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Brush a bowl with oil. Shape the dough into a ball, put it in the bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Leave to rise in a warm place for 30 – 40 minutes, until the dough has doubled in volume.
Dust a baking tray with flour.. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly. Roll out to a a thickness of 2 cm / 3/4 inch. Stamp out 10 – 12 rounds with a 7.5 cm / 3 inch biscuit cutter and sprinkle each round with semolina. Transfer the muffins to the prepared baking tray, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 – 40 minutes.
Heat a griddle or large frying pan over a medium – high heat and brush lightly with oil. Add half the muffins and cook for 7 – 8 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Cook the remaining muffins in the same way.
INGREDIENTS
- 450 g / 1 lb Strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Caster sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp Easy-blend dried yeast
- 250 ml / 9 fl oz Lukewarm water
- 125 ml / 4 fl oz Natural yogurt, Vegetable oil, for brushing
- 40 g / 1 1/2 oz Semolina
Making & Baking 