Soft pretzels are a favorite with our family but we used to buy them very infrequently at the mall or maybe a fair. This recipe changed everything for us. Now we eat hot, fresh, soft pretzel knots anytime we want. They even make great mini sandwiches too.
![SOFT SOURDOUGH PRETZEL KNOTS](https://thefermentedtable.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/soft-pretzels-720x720.png)
SOFT SOURDOUGH PRETZEL KNOTS
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR PRETZELS
- 80 grams active starter
- 250 grams warm water
- 50 grams raw, unfiltered honey
- 12 grams sea salt
- 500 grams organic bread flour
INGREDIENTS FOR PRE-BAKE BATH
- 4 quarts water
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
INGREDIENTS FOR PRE-BAKE EGG WASH
- I large egg, beaten
- Coarse, kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix starter, water and honey on low in stand mixer until just mixed.
- Mix salt into flour before mixing these dry ingredients into wet.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to wet ingredients. Once fully combined set mixer to lowest setting and using bread dough hook mix dough for 8 minutes.
- In a bowl and covered with a towel, let dough sit on counter until it increases by 50%. This is usually 6 – 8 hours.
- Tightly cover bowl and place in refrigerator for 36 – 42 hours. This dough will continue to ferment and grow slightly.
- Once fermented, remove from refrigerator. Cut dough into 15 equal pieces.
- One-piece at a time, on the countertop, roll the dough into a rope shape and place in the shape of a U. Then lift each end of the rope and twist twice. Fold the twist over and press the ends on the dough. Place each pretzel knot onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover the dough and let rise for 30-60 minutes or until puffy.
- Fill a pot with water and bring to boil. Add the baking soda and brown sugar. Then drop each knot into the water turning once. Bathe for 1 minute. Remove from water and place back on parchment lined baking sheet.
- Brush each knot with egg wash and generously sprinkle salt.
- Place baking tray into preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes or until beautifully golden-browned.