Yields 6 pretzels; Prep Time 25 mins; Cook Time 14 mins; Fermentation Time 12 hrs; Total Time 12 hrs 39 mins
Sourdough Pretzel Dough
½ cup (125 g) sourdough starter (active) [62.5 g]
1 cup plus 1 tbsp (255 g) water [127.5 g]
2 tbsp (40 g) honey (or sugar) [20 g]
2 tsp (10 g) fine sea salt [5 g]
4 cups + 2 tablespoons (500 g) bread flour (see notes) [250 g]
Water Bath
6 cups water [3 cups]
2 tbsp baking soda [1 tbsp]
1 tbsp dark brown sugar [1/2 tbsp]
Egg Wash
1 large egg (lightly beaten in a small bowl) [1/2 egg]
1 tbsp coarse salt [1/2 tbsp]
Prepare the starter so that it is active when you mix the dough. To a clean jar add 15g starter + 60g water + 60g flour. Let rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size. (about 10-12 hours at 68°F) Once your starter has risen to its peak, you are ready to mix your pretzel dough.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the starter, water, honey and salt with a spatula. Add the bread flour and use your hands to bring the ingredients together as best as possible. The dough will be very stiff. Place the dough hook on the mixer and mix the dough on the lowest speed for 6-7 minutes. Cover the bowl and let rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide into 16 equal pieces.
Working one piece at a time, roll the dough into a long rope shape and set it on a clean surface in the shape of a "U". Lift the ends of the rope and twist 2 times. Fold the twist over and press the ends on the dough. Cover the dough with a towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes or until puffy.
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) making sure that the oven rack in the center position. Boil the water in a large stockpot and add 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar.
Boil the pretzels, 3-4 at a time, on both sides for 30 seconds each, making sure not to crowd the pot. Use a mesh stainer to remove the pretzels and place back on the parchment paper. Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
Bake the pretzels at 425°F (218°C) for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
If you don't have stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes.
Bread flour is ideal but all-purpose flour can be used and still yield a nice result.
Use the scoop and level technique to measure your flour if you do not have a kitchen scale. To do this, use a spoon to fluff up the flour in the bag. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into a measuring cup until it is heaped on top. Take a butterknife and level off the top. This should give you the most accurate measurement for flour.
I will be testing this recipe with whole wheat flour and update the recipe with the results when I have them.
Store cooked pretzels, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week. Storing in the fridge is not recommended.
To freeze baked pretzels, let cool completely. Wrap pretzels individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let thaw before reheating.
To reheat pretzels, bake in oven at 400°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. A microwave is not recommended.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 pretzel | Calories: 243 kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
Friday 8 AM - Feed starter to get it ready for dough.
Friday 8 PM - Mix pretzel dough, cover and let ferment on counter overnight.
Saturday 8 AM - Divide dough, shape pretzels, cover and let rise.
Saturday 8:30 AM - Prepare water bath with baking soda and dark brown sugar.
Saturday 9 AM - Boil pretzels, brush on egg wash, sprinkle with salt and bake.
https://littlespoonfarm.com/soft-sourdough-pretzels-recipe/#soft-sourdough-pretzels-recipe