Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Sprinkle the baking soda onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or use disposable aluminum pan. Bake for 1 hour. Set aside while you make the dough. (see note)

Step 2

Combine the starter, water and 2 cups of the bread flour in a mixing bowl. Mix to form a thick batter. Cover the bowl and set it aside for 30 minutes.

Step 3

If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook. Add the melted butter, honey, salt and remaining bread flour and mix until the dough gathers on the hook and clears the sides of the bowl. If the dough is very sticky and doesn't clear the sides of the bowl, sprinkle in a few more tablespoons of flour. If mixing by hand, add as much flour as you can then turn the dough out and knead in the rest of the flour. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, form it into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn the dough once to coat it on all sides. Cover and set aside in a warm spot.

Step 5

After 30 minutes uncover the bowl, lift one side of the dough and fold it into the middle of the dough. Repeat with the other three sides of the dough then flip the dough over. You're basically turning the dough inside-out to redistribute the yeast and strengthen the gluten. Cover the bowl and after 30 minutes repeat the procedure. Cover the bowl and after 60 minutes repeat the procedure again.

Step 6

Cover the bowl and after 60 minutes fold the dough one more time. By now the dough should be lively, elastic and airy. If the dough is still sluggish give it another hour or two at room temperature.

Step 7

If you want to finish making the rolls the next day return the dough to the bowl, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning continue with shaping. Otherwise continue shaping the same day.

Step 8

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Use your cupped hand to roll each piece into a smooth ball. Line the rolls up on the work surface and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Step 9

Butter and flour a half sheet pan. In a large bowl combine the "baked" baking soda with a quart of warm water. Fill another bowl with plain water. Set a cooling rack over a sheet pan next to the bowls.

Step 10

Reshape and tighten each roll as you put it into the bowl of baking soda water. Add as many rolls as fits into the bowl. Let them sit in the water for 2 minutes. Transfer the rolls to the bowl of clean water to rinse, then set them onto the cooling rack to drain. Continue until all the rolls have been dipped. Transfer the rolls from the rack to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 11

Set the tray aside, uncovered, for 1 - 1 1/2 hours until the rolls are almost doubled in size. The surface of the rolls may look lumpy but they will smooth out during the baking. The time will vary depending on the temperature of the dough. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 12

Use a sharp knife or razor to cut an "X" in the top of each roll. Brush each roll with egg white and sprinkle with kosher salt or coarse sea salt.

Step 13

Bake until dark brown, about 20 minutes.