cilantro-scallion swirl rolls
Yesterday was my and Elliott’s fourth anniversary. We celebrated with Chipotle for dinner and a “Game of Thrones” marathon — because that’s how we roll. It was a perfect way to spend the evening together, being lazy and eating food (my favorite hobbies), especially after eating and walking our way through the hilly streets of San Francisco all last week (I’m exhausted, but my calves are stunning).
By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to make your way over there, GET ON IT. It’s a beautiful city and there is so much to see and do — and so much food to eat. So, so much food. I loved it.
By the way again, if you haven’t had a chance to watch “Game of Thrones” yet, GET ON IT. It’s kind of disturbing in so many ways, but also? Amazing. I’m hooked.
By the way again again, if you haven’t had a chance to try the corn salsa at Chipotle yet, GET ON IT. Stephie led me onto it recently so I tried it for the first time last night and it is the business.
Anywayyyy back to the story. So I’ve been married to my best friend for four years now. In some ways, it feels like yesterday (so cliche, but so true). And in other ways, it feels like we’ve been together forever. We’ve gone through a lot in the time we’ve been married — moving four times (and soon to be five, but that’s a story for another day ;)), going to school, graduating from school, getting first jobs, losing first jobs, being separated by oceans, being in the same room together for too long, struggling with money, struggling with marriage, struggling with whether to eat Thai food or pizza for dinner… and so it goes.
I haven’t always loved the journey. Sometimes, it’s been downright painful and, truth be told, I’ve at times teetered on the verge of fight or flight. Sometimes, I’ve wondered if marriage was supposed to be this hard. Sometimes, I’ve wondered if he deserved better, or if I did, or if we were just making each other more miserable. But over all this time I’ve come to realize this: The truth is, I am just where I need to be — with him, every day, in his arms or next to him on the couch, eating Chipotle and watching TV. It isn’t always easy, but this guy — my partner, my walking buddy, my fellow adventurer, my headrest, my hand-holder, my taste-tester, my soulmate, my friend — he is my husband, and through thick and through thin, he always will be. And I trust in that promise.
The same can be said in many ways about this here blog. This journey lately — not going to lie, it’s been kind of rough. I’ve gone through the whole gamut of classic blogger problems — envy, lack of inspiration, questioning how much time I’ve spent online, etc. — in the last few weeks. I know this is all totally normal, and I am doing my best to embrace the bad with the good. Because in these nearly four years of blogging, I’ve had so much good happen to me — and, oh-so-hopefully, good has happened to others through this blog, as well. It’s a journey, to be sure, with all its ups and downs. But even in the trenches, in the valleys, I know that I am doing what I love and if I have nothing else, at least I have that. And I trust in that promise.
I’ve been sitting on this recipe for cilantro scallion bread for years now — and I’m not sure why I waited so dang long to make it. Because you see, this bread is good with a capital G. It’s savory in the best possible sense, with excellent texture from the crunchy sesame seeds scattered throughout. It’s also pretty easy on the eyes (always a win for a food blogger!), but more importantly, it’s delicious. Neither the cilantro nor the scallions really stands out above the other — they work together in this harmony of flavor that is so wonderfully unique, it cannot be compared. And even though it takes a little bit of time and love to make, the results are so worth it.
And just like that, I’ve discovered a lesson for my life, found in bread. That’s a sign of a recipe worth keeping.
Cilantro-Scallion Bread
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit
Yields: 12 rolls
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cubed
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/4 cups roughly chopped scallions
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
1/2 cup white sesame seeds
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Directions:
Pour warm water into a small bowl; sprinkle yeast, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar on top. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
Meanwhile, combine flours and remaining salt and sugar in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Rub in butter using your fingertips, then stir to combine until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add egg, egg yolk and yeast mixture. Stir (using a dough hook if using a stand mixer) until just combined.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or on medium speed in the stand mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic). Shape dough into a ball and place in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, pulse scallions and cilantro in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in white sesame seeds and 3 tablespoons oil.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. When dough has doubled, punch down and roll out on a lightly floured surface into an 18-by-9-inch rectangle. Spread cilantro-scallion mixture evenly on top of dough all the way to the edges. Carefully and tightly roll up dough from the short end into a cylinder. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 rolls. Place each roll on prepared baking sheet.
Brush tops of rolls lightly with more oil; sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
These are gorgeous! Love the green swirl!
This is amazing!! I love, love, love these!
Congrats on 4 years! These rolls look amazing, I’m not a big fan of cilantro, but these just look so so pretty!
You life philosophy is so positive! I totally agree with what you said about truly loving what you do. The up and downs are things that make you love the job even more.
I love herby breads. These remind me of the chinese scallion swirl pancakes you can get. Of course this way is easier because I am hopeless with unleavened, folded doughs. Fabulous recipe
Katrina — Thank you, dear! I love that part, too 🙂
Tieghan — Thank you, friend!
Kelly — Thank you! If you don’t like cilantro, you could probably swap in parsley and get a similar effect, or just leave it out. It would still be tasty 🙂
Belinda — Oh, thank you so much. It’s not always easy to embrace the bad with the good, but I’m learning it’s the best way to be. 🙂 And yes — it is kind of reminiscent of those scallion pancakes! Love those!
From the pictures I can almost smell them. They do look beautiful and so are you, both inside and out. Through all of your ups and downs you always come out on top. That’s just the way you roll and I’m proud of you!
Congrats on 4 years together! I love your words about marriage – they ring so true. Ummmm and these rolls have me completely distracted – must make these soon!!
These sound fantastic! What a creative recipe.
Congrats my friend on 4 years! It will be 10 years for my husband and I in July, so your words on marriage speak so much truth. Hold on to that positivity sista. And mail me some of these rolls. I love cilantro way too much.
Oh my gosh I would devour several of these swirl rolls.
Love how real you are! Thank you for being in this space and all the wonderful content you produce. You inspire others! These rolls are gorgeous, I’d like to try to see if I can make them gluten free. P.S. Can’t believe it’s the first time you’ve been to Chipotle! 😉
Mom — Awwww, thank you. You made my day. 🙂
Marie — Thank you! And you totally need to make these rolls soon — you’ll love them! 🙂
Natalie — Thank you!
Erika — Thank you, lovely! And I’m happy to make a special trip to the post office with some of these babies just for you! 😉
Meagan — Umm, I was definitely tempted to eat the whole pan when they came out of the oven. 🙂 Thanks, dear!
Amanda — Oh thank you, dear — that means so, so much to me to read that. 🙂 And yes! If you can make them GF, please let me know! PS It wasn’t my first time to Chipotle (I’ve been there many, MANY times :)), just my first time trying the corn salsa!
Happy anniversary!!! The way I see it the bad times (in marriage, life, blogging, whatever) are what make the good times so good and so memorable. So glad you shared a little of your heart with us today 😉
Heather — Thank you, friend! And I couldn’t agree more — going through struggles definitely makes the good times more joyful. 🙂
Thanks for this post and for being real…. I love that. It spoke to my heart this morning; happiest of anniversaries to you! 🙂 As for these rolls, gimme!
Happy anni, love!!! Your way of celebrating sounds right up my alley 😉 And these rolls are undeniably AWESOME. xo
Laura — Oh, I’m so glad to read that! Thank you, friend 🙂
Ashley — It was an awesome way to celebrate, not going to lie 🙂 Thanks, lady!
These look so amazing! They’re making me hungry. I’m glad you’ve stuck with the blogging. I encounter the same things and hope to make it through my first year at this point! 🙂
These remind me of the Chinese scallion pancakes-only way better. And life is tough. Marriage is tough. After 33 years I can’t tell you it gets easier. But at least someone else is there for the ride. And after all is said and done, the world isn’t flat. It’s full of mountains and valleys, as life is filled with highs and lows. Enough philosophy for the day! I just came for the rolls!
Tiffany — Thanks, doll! And I have to say, keep it up with the blogging! The obstacles will come but it’s worth it when you’re doing what you love. 🙂
Abbe — Hey, feel free to share your philosophies any time; I appreciate your insight 🙂 Wish I could mail you some of these rolls as a thank-you!
I love, love, love this post! It’s so refreshing to read such real thoughts. Oh, and happy anniversary!
Taylor — Thank you, friend! Sometimes I just gotta let it all out and hope for the best, so thanks for listening 🙂
Oh Stephanie, this post is so touching! You’ve been through so much, and I truly admire the heart and soul you put into the blog! It’s inspiring, and I’ve always thought your recipes & photography all look mouth-wateringly delicious. Congratulations on your 4th year anniversary, and cheers to many more blessed years to come (:
Oh my gosh. I’m obsessed. My husband is going to freak over these!!
Monica — Thank you, my dear: your kind words mean a lot to me and I appreciate it! 🙂
Mackenzie — Mine definitely did. 🙂 Thanks!
Yay, four years! I love what you wrote – I’ll be hanging onto that someday when I walk down the aisle. You’re a Wise friend (get it…Wise? Heh heh…shoot me now)
Gorrrrrrrrrrrrgeous bread! Oh, and Chipotle corn salsa? Can’t stop won’t stop.
Pingback: GROCERY LIST XXI | Wit & Vinegar
Stephie — Oohhhh you and your wit 🙂 (But seriously, CORN SALSA.)
I’m in season 1 of Game of Thrones and can see this is quickly going to become an addiction! Just like these little swirls are!
These rolls are gorgeous, Stephanie! I’ve never seen a dough baked with cilantro, but I’ve gotta say, that is beyond brilliant. These would be perfect with a big bowl of chili!
Steph — SERIOUSLY. Totally addicted to both. 🙂 Thanks, dear!
Georgia — I admit, I was skeptical of the whole cilantro-in-bread thing, but it’s actually amazing. And definitely perfect with a big bowl of chili — YUM. 🙂 Thanks, lovely!
Happy Anniversary! I understand–seems like so fast, yet seems like forever. It’s like that with us, too. We’ll have 3 years in Sept., but we’ve been together since ’01. Where does the time go?
So glad your vacation was such a great escape! Missed you, but your fill-ins were great! Hope you have the most wonderful weekend!
These sound amazing! I love the idea of a savory swirl roll, especially with the flavors you chose. Perfection! And I am obsessed with Game of Thrones as well, such an addicting show!!! I also watch True Blood but I don’t know how much longer I can stick with it since its getting kind of ridiculous :/
i love your honesty here – it’s so true, i’m now on my third year of marriage, and there’s so many things about marriage that you can’t learn from others – it’s just stuff you learn as you go. these rolls are savory swirls of green! i love the look of them! happy belated anniversary. chipotle was a delicious way to celebrate. xo
Tiff — It really does go by so fast in some ways (in others, not so much ;)). I’m so glad you enjoyed the guest posts while I was gone — I missed being here, too, but it was nice to have a little break so I could recharge. Hope you have a great weekend, too!
Eva — Thank you, love! And I’ve heard True Blood is getting kind of out of control — hoping Game of Thrones won’t do that, though! I’m too invested 😉
Robyn — Thank you, dear 🙂 You’re so right — there is so much about marriage that you can’t really be prepared for by others. You just need to experience it yourself and figure it out together. And yes, Chipotle = best anniversary dinner 😉
Not only is this an awesome recipe but a great post to go with it. Happy anniversary! Whenever I think of the.boy and i getting married someday, it’s hard to imagine all the hard things we will go through along with the good, but reading this has re-given me the faith that we can make it through anything. Fabulous.
Joanne — Oh, thank you, friend. You will love marriage — it’s not easy every day, but it’s definitely worth it when you’re with the person you love. 🙂
Happy 4 year anniversary! Mike and I just celebrated our 2 year anniversary. I can honestly say we watched a Newsroom marathon and were asleep in bed by 10. Woo hoo! Livin it up married style. I agree 100%, marriage is hard it is work to keep it going. Most of the time it is fun but those hard times they really test your bonds. But it is so worth it to spend everyday with your best friend.
Happy {belated} anniversary! For both relationships and blogging, the tough days make me appreciate the good ones so much more 🙂
Oh, and I’m just as excited about these rolls as the day I discovered Chipotle corn salsa….ah-maze-ing!
Stefanie — Thanks so much, dearie, and congrats on your two years! It sounds like we both know how to celebrate like the best of them 🙂 And I agree — if I can spend each day with my best friend, I’m willing to go through the tough stuff. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Kelli — Thank you, lovely! And YES — that Chipotle corn salsa is a game-changer 🙂
Wow, these look incredible! What a brilliant idea. 🙂
Annie — Thank you! 🙂
Homemade bread is so seductive! The Cilantro Scallion Swirl Bread is radiant with flavor! My family would enjoy the rolls with soup, salad or even skip dinner to devour them!
Deb — Thank you so much! 🙂
oh gosh what a beautifully honest post…thanks for opening up…isn’t that so the truth with marriage…God never said it was suppose to be easy or we were to be happy…sometimes a daily reminder for myself! and this bread…bread really can say a lot. 🙂
Angela — Thank you, dear. And it’s true… bread can be such a source of wisdom and truth sometimes! 🙂