In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup of warm water. Add about half the sugar and then let stand for 5 minutes.

Add remaining water and sugar. Beat in the oil, salt and add 2 cups of flour til smooth. Continue adding flour until the mixture forms a soft dough, about 4 cups total.

Turn the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If dough seems too sticky, add small amounts of flour as you knead until it is the right consistency.

Grease a clean bowl with butter. Place the dough into the bowl and turn it over once to grease the top.

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise for at least 45 minutes.

Punch the dough down, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into about 9 pieces.

Shape each piece into an oval, and place about 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.

Cut a ¼ inch slash across the top of each roll.

Cover the baking sheet and let rise for at least 20 minutes.

Bake at 400F for 13-18 minutes until golden brown.

Remove to wire racks to cool.