Pretzels are delicious snacks, especially when dipped in mustard or other toppings. One thing that sets pretzels apart from other pretzels is their distinctive shape. It's not that hard to get it, keep reading this article to learn.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Like a U
Step 1. Work the dough into a long and thick loaf
Place it on a floured surface and use your palms to form a roll. Push the dough from the center outwards until it reaches the desired length.
- The pretzel dough tends to shrink after working it, so the best technique is to knead part of it, wait a couple of minutes and then try to roll it again.
- The ideal length is between 45 and 50 cm. This way you will have a nice big pretzel.
Step 2. Shape the U-shaped strand and curl the ends together
Lean on a floured work surface to proceed with this operation.
At this point, grab the two ends of the loaf and roll them together as you see in the image
Step 3. Connect the rolled part to the curve of the U
- Imagine the pretzel is a clock and connect the 5 and 7 o'clock ends of the U curve.
- If you have difficulty keeping the dough tied, use a little water or milk as a "glue". Now you have a simple and neat pretzel ready for the oven!
Part 2 of 4: Like a Lasso
Step 1. Roll the dough with your hands until you get a loaf about 45 cm long and as thick as a cigar
Step 2. Grab each end with your hands
Lift the dough from the work surface with your hands about 30 cm apart. The left hand should be slightly higher than the right.
Step 3. With a quick movement, wrap the dough on itself, as if you were throwing a lasso
With your right hand, rotate the dough.
Let the dough rotate on itself; to stop the movement, place the pretzel on the work surface
Step 4. Connect the ends to the bend of the pretzel
At this point you should find yourself with each end of the dough in your hands.
Fold the rolled up part of the pretzel inwards, at 5 and 7 o'clock
Part 3 of 4: Like a Braid
Step 1. Roll the dough with your hands until you get a loaf about 45 cm long
Step 2. Fold and twist the dough
Fold the loaf in half and then twist the two ends together before squeezing them.
Step 3. Fold and twist the dough again, then pass the ends through the ring that forms
Crush the dough to fix it.
Step 4. Repeat the process for all the strand you have available
At the end you should have about 8-12 twists which will give a softer and mellow texture than that of the classic pretzel.
Part 4 of 4: Making the Perfect Soft Pretzel
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
To cook your own pretzel at home you will need:
- 330 ml of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 600 g of flour 00
- 60 g of melted butter
- 100 g of baking soda
- 1 egg yolk
- Coarse salt to decorate
Step 2. In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar and salt
Add a pack of dry yeast and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, until it forms a foam.
Step 3. Add the flour and butter
Stir until it becomes a firm dough that comes off the sides of the bowl.
Step 4. Let the dough rise
Remove it from the bowl and grease it with olive oil. Return it to the bowl and cover it with cling film. Put everything in a warm place for 50-55 minutes or until the dough will double in volume.
Step 5. Boil the baking soda and water
Dissolve the baking soda in 2, 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. In the meantime, prepare two baking trays lined with baking paper lightly greased with olive oil.
Step 6. Weave the pretzels
Divide the dough into identical portions and use one of the methods described above to give it the classic shape.
Step 7. Immerse the pretzels in boiling water one at a time
Let them boil for 30 seconds each. With a slotted spoon, remove them from the water and place them on the trays.
Step 8. Brush the dough with egg yolk
Make a mixture of egg yolk and water and brush the surface of each pretzel, this way they will acquire a nice golden color when baking. Finally sprinkle them with coarse salt.
Step 9. Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes at 230 ° C or until the dough becomes dark and golden
Transfer the pretzels to a wire rack and let them cool down a bit before eating them.
