Salted pretzels with poppy seeds

Goodies for carolers - Salt and poppy seed pretzels

Are you dreaming of a recipe that brings warmth and joy to your home, especially during the holidays? Salt and poppy seed pretzels are the perfect choice! These golden, crunchy pretzels are not only delicious but also steeped in tradition, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Whether you prepare them for carolers or for a family evening, this simple and quick recipe will delight you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-35 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Number of servings: 21 pretzels

Ingredients

- 800 g flour
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 200 ml warm milk
- 250 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (for decoration)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for glaze)
- 10 tablespoons water (for glaze)

Step by step

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in warm milk. Make sure the milk is not hot, otherwise the yeast will be destroyed. Add the sugar and mix well until the yeast completely dissolves.

2. Preparing the dough: In the yeast mixture, add the oil and warm water. Mix the ingredients with a spoon until combined, then add half of the flour. Continue mixing until homogeneous. Now, add the remaining flour and salt. Knead the dough well until it becomes soft and non-sticky. If you notice that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a draft-free area, covering it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Personally, I like to put it in the microwave with the door closed, which helps maintain a constant temperature. Let it rise for 30-35 minutes.

4. Shaping the pretzels: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the oiled work surface. Cut pieces of dough of about 50 g each. Roll each piece between your palms into thin ropes, about the thickness of a pinky finger (or even thinner). Shape them into pretzels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Filling and glazing: Beat the egg in a bowl and brush the pretzels with it. Sprinkle the poppy seeds on top for an attractive look and delicious taste.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the pretzels for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden. Meanwhile, you can prepare the glaze by mixing the 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and the 10 tablespoons of water. You will obtain a thin paste.

7. Finalizing: After the pretzels are baked, remove them from the oven and generously sprinkle them with the prepared glaze. Put them back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes until a crispy crust forms.

8. Cooling and storing: After baking, let the pretzels cool on a rack. Once cooled, cover them with plastic wrap to keep them soft.

Useful tips

- Quality ingredients: Use good quality flour, preferably type 650 or 000, for the best results. Fresh yeast is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.
- Keeping warm: If you don’t have a microwave, you can let the dough rise in the preheated oven at a very low temperature (about 30°C), but don’t leave it too long, otherwise it will bake.
- Variations: You can add various spices to the dough, such as granulated garlic or oregano, for a more flavorful taste. You can also replace the poppy seeds with sesame or grated cheese to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional benefits

These pretzels are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The added oil helps keep the dough soft and tasty. Olive oil, if you choose to use it, brings health benefits due to its low acidity and antioxidant content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package. Generally, use about 10 g of dry yeast for this recipe.

2. How can I tell if the pretzels are done?
The pretzels are done when they have a beautiful golden color and sound hollow when you tap them lightly with your finger.

3. What can I serve the pretzels with?
The pretzels can be served as they are, but they are also delicious with dips, such as hummus or yogurt sauce. They can also be paired with warm drinks, such as tea or gluhwein during the holiday season.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work! I promise that in the end, you will have delicious pretzels that will delight all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 800 g flour, 100 ml oil, 200 ml warm milk, 250 ml warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 30 g fresh yeast, 1 egg for brushing, poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons of flour + 1 teaspoon of salt for the glaze.

 Tags:  salted pretzels with poppy seeds goodies for carolers dough for pretzels pretzel recipe pretzels