Grissini

To prepare delicious and crispy breadsticks, we will start by carefully mixing the basic ingredients. In a generous bowl, we add freshly sifted flour, ensuring it is of high quality, and salt. These two are the essential elements to provide flavor and structure to the dough. After making this mixture, we use the back of our hand to create a well in the middle of the composition. This well will be the place where we will add the wet ingredients.

In the formed well, we introduce the dry yeast, which is responsible for the dough rising, and olive oil, which will provide a pleasant aroma and a soft texture. Then, we pour in lukewarm water, being careful that its temperature is optimal for activating the yeast. Now, with clean hands, we begin to mix the ingredients, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides of the bowl. The goal is to obtain a homogeneous and non-sticky dough.

After we have obtained the dough mass, we transfer it to a flat surface that has been lightly sprinkled with flour, and we start to knead vigorously for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is the moment when the dough will develop its gluten, becoming elastic and uniform. After we finish kneading, we shape the dough into a beautiful sphere.

The next step is to place the dough in a large bowl, which we have brushed with a little oil to prevent sticking. We cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial stage, as the yeast will act and create an airy texture.

After the dough has risen, we transfer it back to the lightly floured work surface and knead it gently to remove the air. We shape it again into a sphere and then roll it out with a rolling pin until we obtain a rectangle measuring approximately 20 cm by 23 cm. Then, we cut the dough into three equal pieces of 20 cm each. Each of these pieces is divided into 10 equal parts, resulting in 30 strips of dough.

Each strip is rolled between our palms or on the work surface, extending them until they reach 30 cm in length. These strips will form our delicious breadsticks. Meanwhile, we preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line two trays measuring 35 cm x 40 cm with baking paper.

We place the strips of dough on the trays, leaving spaces between them. Now, for an attractive appearance, we brush the surface of the dough with a little oil or, for a richer touch, with a yolk mixed with water. Finally, we sprinkle sesame seeds or coarse salt on top, depending on our preferences.

The breadsticks will be baked in the oven for about 15 minutes until they become golden and appetizing. After removing them from the oven, we place them on a rack to cool. These crispy breadsticks are perfect as an appetizer or snack, being savory and aromatic. Enjoy your meal!