Obwarzanek Krakowski

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• Toppings: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or coarse salt Toppings: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or coarse salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 0.5g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until 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 dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and form a ring by joining the ends together.
7. 7.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop each dough ring into the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the desired toppings over the rings, pressing them gently into the dough.
9. 9.
   Bake the obwarzanki in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. This will help the dough rise properly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter variation, add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to the dough mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as grated cheese, dried herbs, or even caramelized onions for a unique twist.
• Serve the obwarzanki warm with butter or your favorite spreads for a delightful snack.

Serving advice

Obwarzanek Krakowski is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it as a standalone snack or pair it with your favorite dips, spreads, or cheeses. It can also be enjoyed alongside soups or salads for a more substantial meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the obwarzanki on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown color and the variety of toppings. Sprinkle some additional poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or coarse salt on top for an extra visual appeal.