Knotted Dough: The Pretzel
The origin of pretzels is uncertain, but it is believed that they were first made by monks in the Early Middle Ages in Europe, possibly in France or Italy. The shape of the pretzel is said to represent a person with their arms crossed in prayer.
The first recorded mention of pretzels dates back to 1111 in a document from the Vatican, which listed them among the food donations to the monks. In the 13th century, pretzels became popular in Germany, where they were sold by bakers and often served as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
The pretzel gained even more popularity in the 16th century when it became a symbol of the city of Vienna, Austria. The shape of the pretzel also became associated with the Holy Trinity, with its three holes representing the three persons of the Christian Trinity.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, German immigrants brought pretzels to North America, where they became a popular snack food. Today, pretzels are enjoyed all over the world, and there are many different varieties and flavors, including soft and hard pretzels, and even chocolate-covered pretzels.
Here is a recipe for making traditional soft pretzels:
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup baking soda
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rest in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a rope shape.
Shape each rope into a pretzel shape, by forming a U shape, twisting the ends together, and then folding the twisted ends back onto the looped part of the U shape.
Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds on each side in the baking soda water. Then place each pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown.
Brush the pretzels with melted butter while they are still warm.
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels!