Laugenstangen

Ingredients

• 500 gbread flour
• 300 mlwater
• 1 tspinstant yeast
• 1 tbspbutter
• 2 tbspbaking soda — for the bath
• to tastecoarse sea salt

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g bread flour and 1 tsp instant yeast. Gradually add 300 ml water and 1 tbsp melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it has visibly doubled in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature. The dough is ready when it springs back slowly after being gently pressed with a finger.
3. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down with your hands. Divide the dough into equal portions, about 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a long, thin roll, approximately 20 cm in length. Be careful not to overwork the dough during shaping to maintain its airy texture.
4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil and add 2 tbsp baking soda. Carefully drop each shaped dough piece into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, ensuring they are fully submerged. This step gives the Laugenstangen their signature pretzel-like crust.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the dough pieces from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each with coarse sea salt to taste. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the Laugenstangen are a deep golden brown and have a crisp crust.
6. Once baked, transfer the Laugenstangen to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes to set the crumb.
7. Serve the Laugenstangen warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with butter, cheese, or cold cuts, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch of these homemade German pretzel sticks.