Rustic Boiled Bread Balls with Sesame Seed Topping

Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes in a warm place until the yeast becomes foamy.
Mix the dough: Add vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Sift the flour through a sieve and gradually add it to the wet ingredients, along with salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it into a large ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Cover the balls loosely and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes.
Boil the dough: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently lower each dough ball into the boiling water and cook for 30-40 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the bread: Brush the tops of the dough balls with water or milk and sprinkle with a mixture of white and black sesame seeds (or just white sesame seeds). Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and enjoy! Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks:
Sifting Flour: If you don’t have a sieve, whisk the flour before adding it to the dough to incorporate air and ensure a lighter texture.
Rising Environment: To create a warm environment for the dough to rise, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting, turn it off, and place the dough inside with the oven door slightly open.
Boiling the Dough: Boiling the dough gives the bread a chewy texture similar to bagels. Be gentle when lowering the dough balls into the water to maintain their shape.
Sesame Seeds: Mix white and black sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Alternatively, you can use poppy seeds or sunflower seeds for variety.
Checking Doneness: Adjust the baking time slightly depending on your oven. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Storing Bread: This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain freshness.