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CHEESY ZAATAR TWISTED BREADSTICKS

For a savoury twist, try these home-baked breadsticks — soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and full of flavour. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together easily and make a delicious addition to any meal. 
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Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 to 6 people

Equipment

  • sheet tray
  • Stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (optional — the dough can also be made by hand
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Ingredients
  

DOUGH INGREDIENTS

  • 310g (2¼ cups) plain all-purpose flour
  • 50g (¼ cup) wholemeal flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or other light-tasting oil
  • 250ml lukewarm spring water, approximately

GARLIC BUTTER FILLING

  • 3 tablespoons softened plant-based butter
  • 1 medium-large bulb garlic, minced
  • Vegan cheese, grated (as much as desired)
  • Za’atar, for sprinkling

TOPPING

  • 1 tablespoon plant-based butter, melted
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

METHOD PREPARE THE DOUGH

  • In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the plain flour, wholemeal flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
    Add the oil and slowly pour in the lukewarm water while mixing. Increase the speed slightly and continue mixing until the dough begins to come together. Add only as much water as needed to form a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, one teaspoon at a time.
    Increase the mixer speed again and knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

FIRST RISE

  • Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel. Leave in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour, depending on room temperature.

TOWARD THE END OF RISING TIME, PRE-HEAT THE OVEN TO 180°C (350°F)

    PREPARE THE GARLIC BUTTER FILLING

    • In a small bowl, combine the softened plant-based butter and minced garlic. Mix well until combined.

    SHAPE THE BREAD STICKS

    • Once risen, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently punch down to release excess air.
      Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
      Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one rectangle of dough. Sprinkle generously with grated vegan cheese and za’atar.
      Place the second rectangle on top and gently press down.
      Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 10 strips, depending on the size of your rectangles. Take each strip and twist it gently while holding both ends.
      Place the twisted strips onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
      Brush the tops with the melted plant-based butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
      Cover loosely and leave the dough to rest again in a warm place for 20–30 minutes.

    BAKE

    • Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and fragrant.
      Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
      Enjoy warm on their own or served with soup, dips, or salads.

    STORAGE

    • Store leftover breadsticks in a breathable container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh before serving.