Kritsinia: Greek Breadsticks Recipe

Ingredients

• • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• • 1 and 1/2 cups of tepid water
• • 2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• • 2 cups (320 grams) bread flour
• • 1 teaspoon salt
• • 1/4 cup olive oil
• • 3 tablespoons Petimezi (grape molasses), Pomegranate molasses, or honey
• • 1/4 cup of water
• • 3/4 cup white sesame seeds
• • 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• • Substitute: everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. 1

   In the bowl of a tabletop mixer that...: In the bowl of a tabletop mixer that is fitted with the dough hook attachment add all of the starter ingredients and whisk together with a fork. Set aside for 8-10 minutes. Once a foamy cloud forms on the surface of the liquid, the yeast is active.

2. 2

   Combine the bread and all-purpose flour along with...: Combine the bread and all-purpose flour along with the salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk together.

3. 3

   Add all of the flour mixture to the...: Add all of the flour mixture to the mixer along with the olive oil. Knead on low speed for 8-10 minutes.

4. 4

   Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a...: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl. Toss to coat and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Set aside in the warmest part of your home until doubled in volume. About 1 and ½ - 2 hours.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 400 °F, 200 °C.

6. 6

   Punch the dough down and place it on...: Punch the dough down and place it on a clean work surface. Cut it into 4 equal portions.

7. 7

   Note: To make the larger breadsticks, cut each...: Note: To make the larger breadsticks, cut each portion of dough into 4 to end up with 16 portions of dough.

8. 8

   To make the smaller (crisper) breadsticks, cut the...: To make the smaller (crisper) breadsticks, cut the dough into 32 portions (each portion into 8 equal pieces).

9. 9

   Roll each portion of dough into a 12-inch-long...: Roll each portion of dough into a 12-inch-long rope and place the ropes on baking trays lined with parchment paper. There should be room between each rope so that they bake evenly. They will rise a little bit in the oven.

10. 10

    Combine the molasses with water in a small...: Combine the molasses with water in a small bowl and mix together.

11. 11

    Brush the ropes of dough with this mixture.

12. 12

    Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or with...: Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or with everything bagel seasoning. Roll them back and forth so that the sides and bottom get coated. Try to keep the ropes straight.

13. 13

    Bake in the center rack of the oven...: Bake in the center rack of the oven until golden.

14. 14

    The larger breadsticks will be ready in 25...: The larger breadsticks will be ready in 25 minutes. They will be crisp on the outside and soft inside.

15. 15

    The smaller breadsticks will be ready in 20-25...: The smaller breadsticks will be ready in 20-25 minutes. For crisper breadsticks, bake them for 30-35 minutes at 350 °F, 180 °C.

16. 16

    Allow them to cool and serve with soup,...: Allow them to cool and serve with soup, salad, or your morning coffee. Enjoy!

17. 17

    Store the breadsticks in an airtight container in...: Store the breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Toast them in the oven or toaster oven before serving.