Selected by Sam* (Senior Guide)
INGREDIENTS
For the Buns
1 package (or 2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
2 tablespoons of butter
1 cup warm milk
¾ cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt for sprinkling
(can also add sesame seeds)
For the water bath
2.8 litres of water
¼ cup baking soda
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 60 minutes rest time
Cook Time: 15 minutes
8
These are best eaten day of or keep well if frozen the day of baking
METHOD
Mix it up. In a large bowl, stir together the yeast, melted butter, warm milk and warm water and set aside for 5 minutes.
In a second large bowl, combine salt and flour before adding it, one cup at a time, to the liquid mixture. Gradually a soft dough will form, at which point you can begin to knead the dough for 3 - 4 minutes. The dough should be soft, but slightly stiff.
Let sit. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured bowl, cover it with plastic and let it rise until doubled in size for 2 hours.
Divide and Rest. Portion the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece of dough into a round ball. Lay out the rolls on a lightly floured counter. Make sure the dough balls won't stick. Let them rest for 15 - 20 minutes.
Preheat. While the dough rests, set the oven to 425°F and bring a large pot of water and baking soda to the boil (see "water bath" above).
Bathe. Place 2 pretzel buns in the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. With a spatula, remove the pretzel buns from the boiling water and let the excess water drip off into the pot before placing onto a baking tray.
Flavour and Score. Lightly brush each pretzel bun with melted butter and then lightly sprinkle each bun with coarse sea salt. Once buttered and salted, use a razor blade or sharp knife to score a cross into the top of each bun.
Bake. Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown. Enjoy as is or with a little mustard/dipping sauce of choice, or use for burgers, stuff them with jackfruit or use in any sandwich of your choice.
*Adapted from Fueled Naturally - Vegan Pretzel Buns
Photos by Greg Walker