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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.