Clover leaf bread rolls, all soft and fluffy, always make me smile. It was pointed out to me, as I plonked this batch on the table, that they could also be called shamrock rolls so I’m sharing them here just in time for St Patrick’s Day!
But why, I hear you say, are they ‘Lucky’ clover leaf bread rolls? Well, every time I make them I miscalculate with the number of balls I’m rolling so there is always one roll with four leaves. Not as difficult to spot as the one we all search for in clover patches on our lawn, but lucky nonetheless! St Patrick apparently used the three leafed shamrock clover to illustrate the Trinity with each leaf representing faith, hope and love. That rare, rogue, extra leaf has come to symbolise good luck because they are so difficult to find!
The bread dough recipe I use for these rolls is the one I use for plain baps, burger buns and one of my plaited loaves, it is vegan, simple and delicious.
Delicious vegan clover leaf bread rolls, sometimes known as shamrock buns in our house and perfect for St Patrick's Day lunch with a nice bowl of soup washed down with a pint of what you fancy!
- 250 ml (1 cup) dairy free milk ( I used almond milk)
- 50 g (1/4 cup) vegan margarine, melted
- 1 tsp agave nectar
- 2 tbsp active dried yeast
- 400 g (3 + 1/8 cups) strong white flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds (poppy, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame)
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Gently heat the milk until it is lukewarm, add the melted butter, yeast and agave, stir and leave in a warm place for 15 minutes until frothy.
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Put the flour and salt into a large bowl (or into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook) and make a well in the middle.
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Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the well and stir or mix to combine until you have a rough dough.
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If you are kneading by hand turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 20 minutes until smooth an elastic. If you are using your stand mixer mix the dough on a low to medium speed for 10 - 20 minutes until you have a smooth. elastic dough.
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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and leave in a warm place to rise - it should double in size and takes 1 - 2 hours depending on the temperature in your warm place!
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Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tray.
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Punch down the dough then divide it into 36 pieces (I never, ever get this right - hence the odd 4 leafed clover popping up!) Roll each into a ball and place 3 (or 4!) into each bun hole.
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Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise until doubled in size - about an hour.
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Brush with a little dairy free milk and sprinkle with the seeds.
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Preheat the oven to 200C/180Fan/390F and bake your clover leaf rolls for 15 - 20 minutes until browned and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
I served my lucky clover leaf rolls up with bowls of vegan cream of mushroom soup but, if you don’t fancy that, you could also try cauliflower cheese soup or maybe beetroot soup tickles your fancy?
If you’re in the mood for some St Patrick’s Day shenanigans why not have a look at these recipes?
Seedy Soda Bread with Sautéed Herby Greens by Veggie Desserts
Baileys, Pistachio and Cranberry Fudge by Foodie Quine
Naturally Green Cakes for St Patrick’s Day by Veggie Desserts
St Patrick’s Day Bento Box by Eats Amazing
Irish Cream Recipes for a Perfect St Patrick’s Day by Munchies and Munchkins
How to Make Wholemeal Irish Soda Bread by Farmer’s Girl Kitchen
Kefir Kale Green Pancakes by Tin and Thyme
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Hello! I'm Chris, vegan lover of life, wordsmith, storyteller, picture taker, mum to four. Welcome to Thinly Spread where I share recipes, kitchen stories, travels, adventures and family warmth from our home in deepest Somerset and our boat in Poole.
These are fab! Would it be a little naughty to add some garlic butter over these when baked? Yum!
Garlic and herb butter might be even better….
Oh, they are beautiful! They would make perfect snack for any occasion not only St. Patrick’s Day.
They would! They’re fab for lunchboxes too 🙂
I adore these cute little rolls! The shape is just perfect for St Patrick’s Day! I never knew you could make bread using almond milk and vegan spread, but I will have to try it as they are so much healthier.
I have been pleasantly surprised by how easy vegan baking is!
I love these adorable clover leaf rolls! I need to make them for my kids. Great that these are vegan as well.