| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 4g | 0.5g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1.5g | 5g | 0.4g |
About Pletzel
In our quest to bring you the best recipes from around the world, we’re thrilled to present Pletzel, an iconic Jewish snack that’s baked to perfection. This humble yet divine bread comes from the culinary traditions of Ashkenazi Jews, known for their delectable and heart-warming cuisine. At first glance, Pletzel with its soft crumb and golden color, reminiscent of a classic flatbread. But the delight is in its detail: a sprinkling of onions and poppy seeds that give it a distinct, unforgettable flavor.
The Artistry Behind Pletzel
The making of Pletzel represents a beautiful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Each ingredient contributes to the bread’s unique charm. The active dry yeast, when married with warm water and a pinch of white sugar, enlivens the dough, giving it its characteristic texture and lift. A dollop of vegetable oil provides a certain softness, while the table salt and all-purpose flour form the building blocks for this delightfully crusty bread.
It wouldn’t be Pletzel, though, without its signature topping. Chopped onions caramelized to sweet, aromatic perfection, coupled with the beautiful crunch of poppy seeds, and a touch of kosher salt to enhance the flavors. This culmination of ingredients comes together to create a magnificent bread that strikes the right balance between texture and taste.
Pletzel and Its Culinary Pairings
Pletzel is a fantastically versatile bread, its subtle and savory flavors blend well with a variety of cuisines and dishes. Think a warm, comfort-driven bowl of matzo ball soup or a flavorful plate of brisket with prunes. These traditional favourites already have a natural affinity with Pletzel.
Not just with Jewish cuisine, Pletzel also pairs brilliantly with a wide array of international dishes. Imagine tucking into a slice adorned with smoked salmon, or using it as the base for a unique take on an Italian bruschetta. If there’s one thing Pletzel guarantees, it’s a union of the world’s most tantalizing flavors on your tongue.
In the end, what makes Pletzel stand out is its soul. Just like how every culture has a bread of its own, Pletzel is not just a bread, but a slice of Jewish heritage. Its taste, its aroma, and its ability to complement an assortment of dishes make Pletzel an irresistible addition to your dining table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Package Active Dry Yeast
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- 1 Teaspoon White Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Table Salt
- 2 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Onions
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Poppy Seeds
Method
Step One
First, in a large bowl, dissolve one package of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and creamy. The yeast is active if it bubbles in this process.
Step Two
Next, add 1 teaspoon of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the yeast solution. Stir evenly until the sugar is dissolved. Now, add 1 teaspoon of table salt into this solution. Make sure you do not let your salt directly interact with yeast as it can kill active yeast cells.
Step Three
Gradually introduce 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour to the solution. Mix well after each addition until a soft dough forms. Knead your dough for about 6 to 8 minutes or until you get a smooth and elastic texture. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step Four
Now, place the dough in a greased bowl and turnover the dough so it gets greased on all sides. Cover it with a clean cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This process will likely take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step Five
After the dough has risen, punch down the dough and transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Work on your dough gently to remove air bubbles. With a rolling pin, flatten your dough into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle.
Step Six
Now, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped onions, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds uniformly on top of your dough. Press these ingredients lightly into the dough using your fingers or a rolling pin.
Step Seven
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
Step Eight
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes. The Pletzel is ready when it’s golden brown in color. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
