It is commonly known that, from the ancient Roman and Greek times, garlic was used as a way to drive away bad spirits and protect humans from all demons. In the modern European society it is believed that garlic has the ability to ward off the "evil eye" and is strongly connected with devils, werwolves and vampires. Garlic though is also used as a flavouring agent and one of the most popular ways to use it it by making garlic bread. This is a recipe of how to make your own garlic knots with a creamy side of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
-2 cups all purpose flour
-1 cup water
-1 yeast sachet
-1 tbsp olive oil
-salt/pepper
-2 tsp garlic powder
-fresh parsley
-3 tbsp butter
In a jug of warm water empty the yeast sachet and stir until completely dissolved. After mixing all the dried ingredients in a big bowl- flour, salt/pepper, garlic powder, chopped parsley- slowly pour the water in and start mixing. At this point, I like to add a little bit of olive oil to bring everything together but if you feel like you need more water go ahead and add a splash but careful you don't overdo it. The more you knead the dough the more it will come together but again try not to overdo it with the kneading. The best way to do it is by using the tip of your fingers to fold the dough back onto itself and then with the centre of your palm push the dough away from you and repeat.
Bring the dough together in a smooth, cohesive ball, place it in a bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in room temperature for about 50-60mins (it should be double the size after the first rise). Once you think it's ready, flatten the dough out and cut in rectangles. Next, roll the rectangles out in a shape of a snake. How you want your knot to be shaped is completely up to you. You can take one piece and create a knot or take two pieces and intertwine/twist them together.
Place your dough knots on a tray and brush them with either olive oil or melted butter and again cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for up to 90mins. Just before you're ready to start baking them, preheat the over at 200°. Lastly, bake your garlic knots for about 15-20mins or until golden brown.
To serve just sprinkle some more chopped parsley on your garlic knots (I also sprinkled some poppyseeds because I find them very cute). For the garlic flavoured butter mix some butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. These are best when warm and straight out the oven.
