Gourmet Vegan German Snack: Aromatic Mushroom Pretzel Bites with Herb-Infused Cashew Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup porcini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 cups warm water (110°F) for dough rising
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved, then let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

2. 2

   Add flour and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Mix using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Gradually add olive oil while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This may take about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to form a long snake-like shape, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the shapes into bite-sized pieces.

5. 5

   In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pretzel bites one by one into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pretzel bites on it, leaving space between each for even cooking. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown.

7. 7

   While the pretzels are baking, prepare the herb-infused cashew cheese by blending soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

8. 8

   Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped porcini and shiitake mushrooms until tender and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. 9

   Once the pretzels are baked, serve immediately with a dollop of herb-infused cashew cheese and a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms on top.