Salted pretzels with sesame
Salt and sesame pretzels: a delicious recipe for unforgettable memories
In every corner of the world, we find flavors that transport us back in time to the beautiful moments of youth. Salt and sesame pretzels are one of those dishes that evoke nostalgia for student days, when every break was an opportunity to savor these crunchy delights. Today, I invite you to recreate this experience at home, no matter where you are in the world. This is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will turn any meal into a special moment.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8 pretzels
Ingredients:
- 500 g white flour
- 125 ml water
- 125 ml milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Coarse salt and sesame seeds for decoration
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. It is recommended to use a bread machine for perfect consistency, but if you don't have one, you can do it manually.
2. In a bowl, mix the fresh yeast with the sugar and 125 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is a crucial step as it ensures the yeast is activated.
3. In another bowl, combine the white flour with the salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
4. If using a bread machine, select the dough program. If doing it manually, knead the dough on a work surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
Rising the dough:
1. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy pretzels.
Shaping the pretzels:
1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a stick about 30 cm long. Then, fold the stick in half and twist it to form the pretzel. Make sure the ends are well pressed to prevent them from coming apart during boiling.
Boiling the pretzels:
1. Prepare a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Boil each pretzel for about 1 minute. This is an important step as boiling in boiling water helps to form a crispy crust. The pretzels will float to the surface when they are ready.
3. Remove the pretzels from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Baking the pretzels:
1. Sprinkle some pretzels with coarse salt and others with sesame seeds, according to preference. This will add a touch of flavor and texture.
2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the pretzels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. In the last 5 minutes, you can increase the oven temperature to achieve an even crispier crust.
3. After baking, remove the pretzels from the oven and spray them with a little water to keep them moist. Wait a few minutes before enjoying them.
Serving:
Salt and sesame pretzels are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can accompany them with a selection of cheeses, olives, or even a warm flavored soup. Additionally, a glass of beer or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement this snack.
Nutritional benefits:
These pretzels contain carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the milk and yeast, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Moderately consuming pretzels is a good choice for a snack or a hearty breakfast, but remember to enjoy them in moderation due to their salt content.
Possible variations:
To add a touch of originality, try experimenting with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or rye flour. You can also add spices like oregano or rosemary to the dough for a unique flavor. Another idea is to fill the pretzels with cheese or other favorite ingredients before boiling them.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you need to adjust the amount. Usually, 7 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. How can I keep the pretzels fresh?
Store the pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
3. Is it possible to freeze the pretzels?
Yes, pretzels can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, thaw them and bake them again in the oven.
I hope this recipe brings back beautiful memories and adds a touch of joy to your life. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: I made a classic bread dough, but I replaced half the amount of water with milk. So, I used 500 grams of white flour, 125 ml of water, 125 ml of milk, 25 grams of fresh yeast, half a teaspoon of sugar, one teaspoon of salt, and one tablespoon of olive oil.
