CRISPY TARRALI PRETZELS – PERFECT FOR CAROLERS

These crispy Italian-style pretzels, known as Tarrali in Puglia, are crunchy all the way through, similar to grissini. Two delightful flavor variations: one with aromatic fennel seeds and another with fresh rosemary. Ideal for snacking or festive occasions.

🥣 Ingredients

250 g all-purpose flour (type BL55)
60 ml extra virgin olive oil
30 ml dry white wine
60 ml warm water
1 tsp dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
10 g fennel seeds (or 5 g chopped fresh rosemary)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix flour, fennel seeds (or chopped rosemary), and salt.
In a separate cup, combine warm water and dry yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Create a well in the flour mixture and pour in yeast water, wine, and olive oil.
Gradually incorporate flour into liquids, mixing gently.
Knead dough by hand for 10 minutes (or 1 cycle in bread machine or 5 minutes with a mixer) until pliable, slightly oily to touch, non-sticky, and firm.

Shape the Pretzels

Tear dough into small pieces. Roll each piece into thin ropes about the width of a pinky finger.
Cut ropes into 7–8 cm lengths and form into rings by pinching the ends together.
Place formed pretzels on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 20 minutes.

Boil Pretzels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Press the sealed ends of pretzels firmly again to prevent opening during boiling.
Gently drop pretzels into simmering water in batches without overcrowding.
When pretzels float to the surface, remove with a slotted spatula and place directly onto parchment-lined baking trays.

Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
Bake pretzels for approximately 30 minutes until lightly golden and fully cooked inside.
Avoid over-browning to keep pretzels crispy but not too hard.

💡 Tips

Pulse kneading helps develop gluten for ideal texture.
Boiling pretzels before baking creates a crisp crust and chewy interior.
Use fresh rosemary or fennel seeds for authentic aroma.
Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

📝 Final Thoughts

These crunchy Tarrali pretzels bring a taste of southern Italy’s Puglia region to your table. With simple ingredients and two delightful flavor options, they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or festive celebrations.