Tasmanian Twist on Covrigi: Savory Tasmanian Pretzels

Ingredients

In this Tasmanian adaptation of Covrigi, we incorporate Tasmanian flour, pepperberries, and sea salt flakes to infuse the pretzels with unique flavors. The traditional Romanian Covrigi is typically made with different types of flour and does not include these Tasmanian ingredients. We alse have the original recipe for Covrigi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) Tasmanian flour 2 cups (250g) Tasmanian flour
• 1 teaspoon Tasmanian pepperberries, crushed 1 teaspoon Tasmanian pepperberries, crushed
• 1 teaspoon Tasmanian sea salt flakes 1 teaspoon Tasmanian sea salt flakes
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• Additional Tasmanian sea salt flakes for topping Additional Tasmanian sea salt flakes for topping
• Optional: melted butter for brushing Optional: melted butter for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   Add the Tasmanian flour, crushed pepperberries, and sea salt flakes to the yeast mixture. Mix well until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel by crossing the ends and twisting them together.
7. 7.
   Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle them with Tasmanian sea salt flakes.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Optional: Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter for a glossy finish.
10. 10.
    Serve the Tasmanian pretzels warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tasmanian flour — The unique nutty flavor of Tasmanian flour adds depth to the pretzels. If Tasmanian flour is not available, you can substitute it with regular all-purpose flour.
• Tasmanian pepperberries — Crush the pepperberries just before adding them to the dough to release their aromatic flavors. If Tasmanian pepperberries are not accessible, you can use regular black pepper as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter twist, sprinkle the pretzels with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated Tasmanian cheese for added flavor.
• Serve the pretzels with Tasmanian mustard or a tangy Tasmanian chutney for a delightful dipping experience.
• To achieve a shiny crust, brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking.
• These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their warmth and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Tasmanian pretzels warm as a delicious snack or appetizer. They pair perfectly with Tasmanian craft beer or a glass of Tasmanian Pinot Noir.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pretzels on a wooden serving board or a rustic platter. Sprinkle some extra Tasmanian sea salt flakes on top for an appealing presentation. Serve them alongside a small bowl of Tasmanian mustard or chutney for dipping.