Recipe
Yield: ~12 pretzels
Prep / active time: ~25 minutes
Proof: 2 hours
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total: 2h 40 min
Ingredients
250g bread flour
150g milk (35C)
(Tip: You can replace milk with water, but milk will result in a softer texture)
25g oil
10g fresh yeast
9g salt
13g sugar
1/2 egg + extra to brush
Sesame seed
Directions
1. Gently warm the milk to 35C.
2. Add the fresh yeast and stir to dissolve.
3. Add the egg, flour, sugar and salt. Mix on a low speed for 3 minutes, add the oil and continue mixing on a high speed for 7 minutes.
4. Allow the dough to proof for an hour.
5. Dust the surface and knock the dough back down. Divide the dough equally so each piece is 70g.
6. With each piece, divide into two equal pieces and roll them into a long strand ~22cm long.
7. Twist and braid the two pieces and bend to make a ring. Repeat with the rest of the batch.
8. Let the dough proof for another hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 170C. Brush the dough with an egg wash and sprinkle black sesame on top.
10. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Happy baking!
Vaniece xx
Romanian Covrigi
A Romanian covrigi is a type of twisted pretzel that is popular in Romania. Covrigi have a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, chewy interior, and they are often sprinkled with sesame seeds or coarse salt. They are a staple food in Romania and can be found in street vendors and small bakeries throughout the country. Covrigi are a popular snack for any time of day and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
Covrigi have a long history in Romania and are considered a traditional food that is deeply ingrained in the country's culture. It is believed that covrigi were first introduced to Romania by German settlers who arrived in Transylvania in the 12th century. The word "covrigi" is actually derived from the German word "kranz", which means "ring" or "wreath".
Over time, covrigi became a staple food in Romania, with street vendors and small bakeries selling them on every corner. In the 19th century, covrigi became so popular that they were even mentioned in Romanian literature, with authors describing them as a delicious and satisfying snack.
During the communist period in Romania, covrigi were produced in large quantities by state-run bakeries and were sold at low prices to the public. While the quality of covrigi suffered during this time due to the focus on quantity over quality, the popularity of the snack remained high.
Today, covrigi are still a beloved snack in Romania, with many small bakeries and street vendors selling them throughout the country. They are often enjoyed with coffee or tea and are a popular breakfast or midday snack.
RECIPE BY VANIECE
YIELD: 20 BISCUITS
ACTIVE TIME: 15 MIN
RESTING TIME: 75 MIN
BAKING TIME: 12 MIN
TOTAL TIME: ~1 HOUR 45 MINUTES
-
250g bread flour
-
150g milk (35C)
(Tip: You can replace milk with water, but milk will result in a softer texture)
- 25g oil
- 10g fresh yeast
- 9g salt
- 13g sugar
- 1/2 egg + extra to brush
- Sesame seed
- Gently warm the milk to 35C.
- Add the fresh yeast and stir to dissolve.
- Add the egg, flour, sugar and salt. Mix on a low speed for 3 minutes, add the oil and continue mixing on a high speed for 7 minutes.
- Allow the dough to proof for an hour.
- Dust the surface and knock the dough back down. Divide the dough equally so each piece is 70g.
- With each piece, divide into two equal pieces and roll them into a long strand ~22cm long.
- Twist and braid the two pieces and bend to make a ring. Repeat with the rest of the batch.
- Let the dough proof for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 170C. Brush the dough with an egg wash and sprinkle black sesame on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.