Fresh Homemade Pretzels with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Chilli Flakes

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Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising time)

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Enjoy these delicious, soft homemade pretzels, perfect for any snack or appetiser. Topped with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and chilli flakes, these pretzels offer a delightful mix of flavours and textures. They are easy to make and will surely impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Boiling:

• 10 cups water

• 2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:

• 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Sesame seeds

• Chilli flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.

• In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

• Add the melted butter to the yeast mixture.

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 4-5 minutes.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shape the Pretzels:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

• Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

• Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches in length, and shape into a pretzel.

4. Boil the Pretzels:

• Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, one at a time. Use a slotted spatula to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Add Toppings and Bake:

• Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk and water mixture.

• Sprinkle each pretzel with coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and finely chopped fresh parsley.

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favourite dips!

Chef Brooke Silk's Notes:

Dough Rising: Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise.

Boiling: Boiling the pretzels briefly in baking soda water before baking gives them their characteristic chewy texture and brown color.

Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like poppy seeds, shredded cheese, or different herbs and spices to create your own unique pretzel flavor.

Serving: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes if needed.

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