Homemade Soft Pretzels with a Cheesy Dip

This makes about 12-14 pretzels
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Ingredients:

1 tsp instant yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 cups self raising flour
1/2 cup plant based butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup plant milk (I used soy)
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
1/2 cup baking soda
Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Cheese Dip:
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400g (1 pouch) Hello Friend Foods Cheese Sauce
Spices to taste: we suggest cumin, smoked paprika or dill. (optional)

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1. In a small bowl, combine the instant yeast with the water and sugar. If using sachets, use two. Mix together and let it sit for 5-10 mins until it thickens.
2. Melt the margarine or butter in the microwave, then combine in a bowl with the flour, milk and sugar. Once the yeast has thickened, add it to the bowl and mix together to form a soft dough, it should be slightly sticky.
   
3. Knead for 2 to 3 mins, grease the bowl with a little oil and place the ball of dough inside. Cover with a towel or cling wrap and let it rest for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
4. Once it has doubled in size, transfer to a clean floured surface and knead for another 2 to 3 mins. Cut the dough into smaller sections. To shape the pretzels, roll each small piece out against the counter to form a rope. Each rope should be long and thin - about 50-55cm. Place on the counter in the shape of a “U”, twist the ends and then fold over. Repeat with remaining dough and place on a tray.
5. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius and meanwhile bring a large pot of water to the boil. Once boiled add the baking soda.
6. Drop each pretzel into the pot and let them boil for 10 seconds on each side. Gently remove from the water and repeat with remaining pretzels. Place on a lined baking tray and brush the tops with the olive oil. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and bake for about 15 mins or until they turn a golden brown.
7. Heat the cheese sauce. Remove the pretzels from the oven and serve warm with the cheese sauce.
   
   

Recipe and photography by https://www.veganbyeden.com/