Description
Delicious sourdough discard pretzels offering a twist on traditional pretzel-making, perfect for reducing food waste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard (unfed, at room temperature)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes or until foamy.
- Add sourdough discard, flour, and salt and mix on low speed.
- With the mixer running, pour in melted butter until combined.
- Change to medium speed and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 4-5 minutes).
- If necessary, add more flour or water, one tablespoon at a time, until reaching a sturdy, smooth, and non-sticky consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap; let it rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a dry work surface and divide it into eight equal-sized pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, shape into a U, cross the ends over each other like a heart, twist, and push down at the bottom of the U.
- Place the twisted pretzels on a prepared baking sheet and cover them while preparing the boiling process.
- Preheat a pot by bringing 10 cups of water and ⅔ cup baking soda to a boil (add baking soda before it boils).
- Place pretzels in boiling water for 20-30 seconds on each side.
- Remove using a slotted spatula, shake off excess water, and return to the baking sheet.
- Lightly brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for approximately 13-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Transfer the pretzels to a cooling rack and allow them to cool fully before serving.
Notes
Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for variation.
