Rye Pretzels & Introvert IPA

Warm, soft pretzels have become a favorite bar food all across the country. It’s no wonder that the thick and chewy Rye Pretzel is one of our favorites. Best served hot out of the oven, the rye in the recipe gives this soft pretzel a unique taste. This is best served with mustard or cheese or any dip.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 healthy tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons dry yeast
1 3/4 cups bread flour
7 1/2 tablespoons rye flour
5 1/2 tablespoons barley flour
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for boiling
12 cups plus water for boiling
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
Sea Salt for serving

• Combine the water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl and mix gently. Let it sit so the yeast can rise.
• Combine the bread flour, rye flour, and salt in a mixer bowl and mix with a dough hook.
• Once the yeast has set and is foamy, mix the yeast and butter in with the flour mix. Use a mixer on slow for about 20 seconds. Let the dough sit for 20 minutes.
• Mix the dough, gradually increasing speed for 3 minutes or until the dough forms.
• Remove dough and knead on a flowered board for 2 minutes. Place it in an oiled bowl and let sit for 90 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 450ºF. Separate dough into 12 pieces, roll into a rope and tie into a pretzel knot twisting the ends.
• Bring 12 cups of water, oil, and baking soda to a boil. Place each pretzel in boiling water and cook for 30 to 45 seconds.
• Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes.
• Immediately before serving, whisk 1 tablespoon water and egg yolk together in a small bowl. Brush the pretzels with the egg wash and sprinkle on some salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Just about any beer will pair well with this recipe, but one of my favorites is the Introvert IPA by Left Hand. This India Session Ale has a medium copper color and smooth lacy head. Hop aromas of tropical papaya and kiwi with woody pine, balanced with honey malt and a clean bitter finish. This IPA has a low ABV of only 4.8% making it great to have more than one.

This tasty treat with a few Introvert IPA’s and a good game is sure to make your party or tailgate a hit. Please remember to Drink Responsibly the last thing you want to do is miss work the next day. 😉