Bagels with poppy seeds and sesame

Poppy and sesame pretzels - A delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

Who doesn't love pretzels? These aromatic and crunchy snacks are perfect for any time of the day, whether you are enjoying an afternoon with friends or craving a quick and tasty breakfast. Poppy and sesame pretzels are not only a delicious choice but also offer a captivating culinary experience, taking you through a rich history of street food.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pretzels

Ingredients:

- 150 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 500 g white flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- For glaze:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Brief history

Pretzels have traversed centuries of culinary traditions, being popular in various cultures. They were often associated with festive rituals and were sold by vendors on city streets. Today, they continue to symbolize simple goodness, with a crunchy texture and an unmistakable taste, enhanced by poppy and sesame seeds.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by preparing the ingredients. In a bread machine bowl, add warm milk (not hot!), salt, beaten egg, oil, white flour, and dry yeast. Make sure to follow the mentioned order to achieve a uniform dough. Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program.

2. Preparing the seeds:
Meanwhile, prepare the seeds. Place the poppy seeds in one bowl and the sesame seeds in another. They not only add a savory flavor but also an attractive appearance to your pretzels.

3. Shaping the pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the machine bowl and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into smaller or larger pieces, depending on your preferences. Roll each piece of dough into thin ropes, then twist them in half, cutting them in the middle. Then, join the ends to form the pretzels.

4. Rising the pretzels:
Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for about 15 minutes. This is the stage where the pretzels will develop their fluffy texture.

5. Glazing:
Meanwhile, beat an egg in a bowl and prepare for glazing. After the pretzels have risen, brush them with the beaten egg using a kitchen brush. This step will ensure a golden and appetizing crust.

6. Adding the seeds:
Sprinkle poppy and sesame seeds on top of each pretzel so that they adhere perfectly to the egg glaze.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 350°F) and place the tray with pretzels in the preheated oven. Bake the pretzels for 45 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread in the kitchen will make you feel like you are in a neighborhood bakery.

8. Serving:
Once the pretzels are ready, let them cool for a few minutes on a rack. You can enjoy them plain or serve them with cheese spread, hummus, or even fruit jam. These pretzels are also ideal to be served with a warm drink, such as tea or coffee.

Useful tips:

- For a more intense flavor: You can add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough for an extra aroma.
- Seed variations: Instead of poppy and sesame seeds, you can use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different type of texture and taste.
- Storing pretzels: If you have leftover pretzels, keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh.

Nutritional benefits

These poppy and sesame pretzels are not only delicious but also nutritious. The white flour provides carbohydrates that supply energy, and the poppy and sesame seeds offer a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Moderate consumption of these pretzels can give you an energy boost, especially on busy days.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- How can I tell if the yeast is active? If in doubt, mix the dry yeast with warm water and a teaspoon of sugar. If it forms bubbles in 5-10 minutes, it is active.
- Can pretzels be frozen? Yes, pretzels can be frozen after they have completely cooled. You can reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

Conclusion

Poppy and sesame pretzels are a wonderful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a party, a picnic, or simply a relaxing evening at home. With each bite, you will enjoy a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will make you want to prepare them again and again. Enjoy!