By Deborah Vogts
Crunchy Sourdough Breadsticks
Ingredients
Crunchy Sourdough Breadsticks, also known as Italian Grissini, are wonderful with salads, soups, or even as an appetizer or snack. It’s a great way to use up your sourdough discard, too.
1 cup sourdough starter discard "unfed"
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme or crushed rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons The Works or Everything Bagel Topping
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 320 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, combine the unfed sourdough starter, and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Mix together to combine. Add to this the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, dried thyme or crushed rosemary, and kosher salt. Next add in the special seasoning mix of The Works or Everything Bagel Seasoning. Mix well with a spoon or your hands, kneading until smooth and elastic. Cover and let dough rest for at least 10 minutes.
Divide the dough in half; divide each half into 10 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece into a long, thin stick or rod, approximately 10-11 inches. (I don't worry too much about the length of each stick but try to keep the diameter of each stick the same for even baking, about 3/8" or the size of a pen or pencil.)
Transfer each stick to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Cover the breadsticks with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel for up to an hour to enhance the sourdough flavors. (This step is optional, but I recommend it for the best taste.)
Spread 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over the breadsticks with a brush. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for a total of 40-45 minutes until golden brown, turning the pan after 20 minutes to ensure even browning.
To ensure even more crunchiness, turn off the oven and allow the breadsticks to cure in the oven with the door ajar for at least 20 minutes. Makes 20 breadsticks.
See the online recipe for more tips and process pictures here.
