Sourdough Discard Pretzels (Romanian Covrigi)

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil reduces saturated fat while adding flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories and water is cost-effective.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and flavor.

sesame seeds

🥗Healthier: flaxseeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Flaxseeds provide similar texture and are often cheaper.

Mix warm water, date sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl; let it sit until frothy.

Add sourdough discard to the yeast mixture and stir.

Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture; stir until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare a baking soda solution by dissolving baking soda in boiling water.

Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll each into a long rope; shape into a pretzel.

Boil each pretzel in the baking soda solution for 30 seconds; drain excess water.

Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with sea salt and seeds or spices as desired.

Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens