Homemade Greek Freak Pretzels

Author: Krystal Harris

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) *
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup warm plain unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium feta
• 2-4 tablespoons Spiceology Greek Freak Mediterranean Salt-Free Seasoning
• 6 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Instructions:

Homemade Pretzels have never been easier!!

This dish is savory without the guilt! There is no salt in the dish other than a sprinkling of reduced-sodium feta cheese.

1. Get a large mixing bowl and put your warm water and yeast. Let these two mingle together for about 10 minutes so that the yeast can bloom.
2. After 10 minutes add your flour to the mixing bowl, warm water, almond milk, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a large spoon for about 3 minutes.
3. Knead dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 2-3 minutes until all items are well incorporated. Dough will be soft and dry. Oil a clean mixing bowl and place dough in the bowl covered with a clean dish towel for 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Once your dough has doubled in size pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees. Bring the 6 cups of water to a roiling boil and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
5. Punch dough down and transfer to a clean working space lightly dusted with flour. Cut dough into 8 pieces.
6. Now, pretzels may look intimidating but I promise they are not! Roll out each separate piece into a rope. Place the rope in a ‘U’ shape in front of you, then twist the ends inward, cutting each other and place opposite bottoms edges of the ‘U’. If you get frustrated like I did the first time feel free to make ‘pretzel bites’ and simply roll the dough into bite size pieces for ease.
7. Once you have created your pretzels or pretzel bites they will go into the boiling water for 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to place them in and take them out of the water to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Here comes the best part! Right before placing your pretzels in the oven generously sprinkle them with Greek Freak Mediterranean Salt-Free Seasoning and sprinkle some reduced sodium feta on these bad boys. Beautiful.
9. Let your pretzels bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, and let pretzel bites cook for 8-11 minutes until golden brown. Once removed from the oven take your last tablespoon of olive oil and brush the pretzels/bites.
10. Eat and Enjoy!!

Homemade pretzels have never been easier or better for you!!

* Can substitute instant yeast: 1 ⅔ tsp