Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels
Thermomix recipe: Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels. Ready in 130 minutes. Serves 8. Step-by-step Thermomix instructions on Chef Amai.
Ingredients
- 120 g warm water (38-43°C)
- 15 g granulated sugar
- 3 g instant yeast (optional, omit if not using yeast and extend proofing time)
- 240 g active sourdough discard
- 28 g unsalted butter, melted
- 380 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 6 g fine sea salt
- 2.4 L water (for boiling bath, external)
- 130 g baking soda (for boiling bath, external)
- 1 large egg
- 15 g water (for egg wash)
- 15-30 g coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- 20 g unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Add 120 g warm water, 15 g granulated sugar, and 3 g instant yeast (if using) to the Thermomix bowl. Mix 2 min / 37°C / Speed 1. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast. If no yeast is used, skip this step.
- Add 240 g active sourdough discard and 28 g melted unsalted butter to the bowl. Mix 10 sec / Speed 3.
- Add 380 g all-purpose flour and 6 g fine sea salt to the bowl. Knead 5 min / Dough mode. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour (10-20g) and knead for another 30 seconds.
- Remove the dough from the bowl, form it into a ball, and lightly oil the Thermomix bowl or a separate large bowl. Place the dough back in, cover with a lid or cling film, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours (if using yeast) or 30-60 minutes (if not using yeast) to relax the gluten.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) long, and shape into classic pretzel forms. Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 218°C (425°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large pot on the stovetop, bring 2.4 L water and 130 g baking soda to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully lower one or two pretzels at a time into the simmering baking soda bath. Cook for about 30 seconds per side. Using a slotted spatula, lift the pretzels out and place them back on the prepared baking sheets.
- Add 1 large egg and 15 g water to the clean Thermomix bowl. Whisk 10 sec / Speed 4. This is your egg wash.
- Brush each pretzel generously with the egg wash while they are still wet from the bath. Immediately sprinkle with 15-30 g coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown and smelling amazing. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes as ovens vary.
- Add 20 g unsalted butter to the Thermomix bowl. Melt 2 min / 60°C / Speed 1. Brush the freshly baked pretzels with the melted butter. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm with mustard or your favorite dip.
View this recipe on Chef Amai — convert any recipe to Thermomix format at chefamai.com.