German Soft Pretzels
Let this soft homemade pretzel recipe show you how to make pretzels with more flavor than any store pretzel. This German-style homemade soft pretzel recipe is unbelievably tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salad oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons baking soda in 6 cups water
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the oil, and sugar. Beat for about 3 minutes to make a smooth batter. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and satiny, about 5 minutes, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turn over to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough, turn out onto a floured board, and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by gently kneading. Then roll each into a smooth rope about 18 inches long, and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Place slightly apart on a greased baking sheet turning loose ends underneath. Let rise, uncovered, until puffy, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a 3-quart stainless steel or enameled pan, not aluminum, bring soda water to a boil, adjust water to keep water boiling gently. With a slotted spatula, lower 1 pretzel at a time into pan. Let simmer for 10 seconds on each side, then lift from water, drain briefly on spatula, and return to baking sheet.
- Let dry briefly, then sprinkle with coarse salt and let stand, uncovered, until all have simmered.
- Bake in a preheated 425 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to racks, serve warm with butter, mustard or even cream cheese. Or let cool completely, wrap airtight, and freeze.
- To reheat, place frozen on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until hot.
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