Fastenwhe Carnival Caraway Seed Pretzel Of Basel Recipe

Indulge in the magic of Basel's Fastenwähe – a traditional caraway seed pretzel dating back to 1554! This unique Swiss treat, enjoyed only around carnival time in the Basel region, boasts a rich history originating in Rheinfelden. These delightfully crispy pretzels, with their aromatic caraway seeds, are a must-try for baking enthusiasts and anyone seeking an authentic taste of Swiss culinary heritage. Learn to make this special treat at home, following our easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 180 mins
Calories 236.7 kcal
Protein 11g
Rating 5.0 (5 Reviews)
Fastenwhe Carnival Caraway Seed Pretzel Of Basel 26

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Fastenwhe Carnival Caraway Seed Pretzel Of Basel

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How to Make Fastenwhe Carnival Caraway Seed Pretzel Of Basel

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
  2. Add 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast. Mix well and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Gradually add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Knead until a soft, smooth dough forms (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 15cm long oval.
  5. Gently flatten each oval and make 4, 5cm long cuts opposite each other.
  6. Gently twist and shape the pretzels. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  7. Whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the mixture over the pretzels.
  8. Sprinkle generously with caraway seeds.
  9. Cover the baking sheets and let the pretzels rise in a warm place (or cold oven) for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  10. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  11. Place a heatproof bowl filled with hot water in the bottom of the oven to create steam. This helps with browning.
  12. Bake one tray of pretzels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining tray.
  13. Let the pretzels cool completely on a wire rack before serving and enjoying!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

24g

Carbs

11g

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