Poppy Seed Pretzels

Poppy Seed Pretzels - a delicious and simple snack to prepare

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-9 pretzels

Poppy seed pretzels are a perfect choice for a delicious snack, and their flavors will transport you directly to the streets of European cities. This recipe is easy to make even for beginners, and the result will surely impress. Here’s how you can prepare these poppy seed pretzels, step by step.

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 cups of flour (choose a quality flour for optimal results)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
- 1 cup warm water (almost hot, but not boiling)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (use unsalted butter for a milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (for each pretzel, plus extra for decoration)
- Extra salt for sprinkling on top

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast is the key ingredient that will make the pretzels fluffy and airy. If you are using fresh yeast, ensure it is active and not expired.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the yeast has become frothy, add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix well with a spatula, then gradually add the remaining flour until you obtain a soft, workable, and non-sticky dough. You can use a mixer with dough hooks, but kneading by hand gives a special connection to your preparation.

Step 3: Proofing the dough
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot, such as on a radiator. If it is very hot, place a towel over the radiator to avoid overheating the dough. Let it rise for 20-30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Shaping the pretzels
Preheat the oven to 245 degrees Celsius. Sprinkle flour on the work surface, and after the dough has risen, gently punch it to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 or 9 equal pieces. Each piece is rolled into a rope, and then shaped into a pretzel. Make sure the seams are well pressed so they do not come apart during boiling.

Step 5: Boiling
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Immerse two pretzels in the water, allowing them to boil for 1 minute. This step gives the pretzels their distinctive texture, and the baking soda helps achieve a beautiful color. Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased, then sprinkle salt and poppy seeds on top.

Step 6: Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be irresistible!

Serving:
Poppy seed pretzels are delicious warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can serve them plain or with dipping sauces, such as mustard or cottage cheese. They are also ideal to take on the go as a quick snack.

Variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can experiment with different seeds, such as sesame, or add herbs to the dough for a more complex flavor. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Enjoy this simple recipe for poppy seed pretzels and turn every bite into an unforgettable experience!