Burger Buns with Sourdough

Method

1. Place 100g sourdough starter torn into pieces in the mixer bowl. Add 180ml cold whole milk and 27g sugar. Start mixing with the paddle attachment on low speed.
2. Add 10g salt and 400g 00 flour. Continue mixing until the dough is firm and compact and gluten develops (about 5 minutes).
3. Add 2 medium eggs and mix until fully incorporated, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add 20g room temperature butter and mix until it is fully absorbed, 5-6 minutes. Increase the speed at the end for elasticity.
5. Transfer the dough to a work surface, fold it over itself a few times, then place in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a cloth. Let it rise in a turned-off oven for 4-6 hours until doubled in volume.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Press it flat to eliminate large bubbles. Fold it over itself a few times, shape into a ball, cover with a cloth, and let rest for 1 hour.
7. After rest, press the dough again to remove bubbles, then fold and shape into a ball. Weigh and divide into pieces of 80g (small) or 120g (large).
8. Shape each piece into a tight ball by folding the edges inward, ensuring no air pockets. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, cover with plastic wrap and a cloth, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until nearly doubled.
9. Press each ball firmly to remove large bubbles, then shape again into very tight balls (final shaping). Optionally, place each bun in a foil-and-parchment ring (made by folding a 45cm strip of each into thirds, wrapping together).
10. Let the buns rise until nearly tripled in volume (several hours).
11. Preheat oven to 200°C (static) or 200°C (fan) at least 15 minutes before baking.
12. Prepare the glaze: whisk 1 egg with 20ml milk until homogeneous. Brush generously over the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chia seeds, or poppy seeds (optional).
13. Bake in static oven for 14 minutes, or in fan oven for 12 minutes, until golden brown.
14. Immediately remove the rings and transfer buns to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Store in a paper bag inside a plastic bag to retain moisture.