Rosemary Sea Salt Pretzel Bites

Lasagna, a beloved dish that hails from Italy, has become a staple in households around the world. Its rich layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese represent comfort food at its finest. Originating from the region of Emilia-Romagna, lasagna has evolved over centuries, with each region of Italy adding its unique twist to this classic dish. From the rustic family kitchens of Bologna to the trendy eateries of New York City, lasagna has maintained its status as a culinary favorite, illustrating its cultural significance across different societies.

Discover the joy of making homemade lasagna with this ultimate guide! Dive into the rich history of this beloved Italian dish and learn to layer pasta, sauce, and cheese to create a masterpiece in your kitchen. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the freshest ingredients to perfecting your sauce and assembling your dish. Whether you prefer classic meat, vegetarian, or unique regional variations, you'll elevate your cooking and delight in the warmth of sharing this comforting meal with loved ones. Enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting your own lasagna from scratch!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm water (between 110°F to 115°F)

1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup baking soda

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish, if desired)

Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Begin by preparing the yeast mixture. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that your yeast is active.

Once frothy, stir in the melted butter along with the finely chopped rosemary. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for approximately 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic to the touch. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

After your dough has risen beautifully, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a gentle boil. Take care when adding the baking soda to the boiling water, as it may bubble up significantly. Stir until the soda is fully dissolved.

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick, then cut each rope into 1-inch segments, creating bite-sized pretzel pieces.

Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water, in small batches, and allow them to boil for approximately 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the boiled pretzel bites back to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart to prevent sticking.

Generously sprinkle the boiled pretzel bites with coarse sea salt, allowing them to absorb the flavor and enhance their crunch.

Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown and aromatic.

Once baked, let the pretzel bites cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these warm with your preferred dipping sauce, such as tangy mustard or creamy cheese dip.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, serve the pretzel bites on a wooden board lined with parchment, garnished with additional sprigs of rosemary for a beautiful and fragrant display.