There is nothing better than a warm, soft pretzel straight out of the oven. Soft pretzels are a popular snack food, especially in Germany and the United States. They are typically made from a simple dough that is twisted into a distinctive knot shape and then boiled in water and baked. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make delicious soft pretzels at home.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Mix these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Next, pour in the warm water and mix the dough until it comes together into a ball. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about an hour.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 22 inches (56 cm) in length. Shape each rope into a pretzel by first forming a U-shape. Cross the two ends over each other and then press them down onto the bottom of the U-shape to form the distinctive pretzel shape.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzels
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully add the pretzels to the boiling water, one at a time, and let them boil for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water and place them on the lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash onto the top of each pretzel and sprinkle with pretzel salt, if desired. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutrition information for one serving (1 pretzel):
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 830mg
Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
Making soft pretzels at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy delicious homemade pretzels that are perfect for snacking or serving at a party. Try experimenting with different toppings, such as cheese or mustard, to find your favorite flavor combination. Happy baking!
