HOW TO MAKE EASY SEMOLINA BREADSTICKS

How to Make Easy Semolina Breadsticks image

Super easy breadsticks that even the novice baker can make at home without a problem.

Provided by Marilena Leavitt

Categories Bread

Time 40m

Yield 30-36 breadsticks

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
2½ cups All-Purpose flour (unbleached)
1 cup semolina flour
1 TBSP. instant yeast
1½ tsp. sea salt
1½ cups lukewarm water
--- fresh rosemary & fresh thyme, finely minced, to sprinkle on top
--- coarse sea salt, to sprinkle on top
--- dried Greek oregano, to sprinkle on top
--- red pepper flakes, to sprinkle on top (optional)

Steps:

Lightly grease a metal 18" x 13" pan with two tablespoons of olive oil and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a bread hook, combine the two flours, yeast, salt, lukewarm water and two remaining tablespoons of olive oil. Process until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be slightly sticky. Cover and let it rest for one hour.
Scoop the batter into the greased pan and spread it nearly to the edges. If the dough is too sticky, oil your fingers - that will help. If the dough doesn't stretch easily, let it relax for a while before you try again.
Using a pizza wheel, or a sharp knife, score the dough crosswise and lengthwise into strips, so as to make about 30 breadsticks (see photo below). These are rather big breadsticks; you can make them smaller, if you prefer. Once you are done with scoring, cover the pan and let the dough rise at room temperature for 45 minutes. The dough will become puffy.
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F. Mince the fresh herbs finely and set them aside.
Drizzle the dough lightly with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with the fresh herbs and the seasoning and place in the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the breadsticks are lightly golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool slightly and then cut the dough along the score lines. Place the bread sticks back in the baking pan, this time turn them on their sides (see photo). Return the pan to the oven, and bake for 5-6 minutes for soft bread sticks, or 10 minutes (for crispier bread sticks). Serve warm, or at room temperature with your favorite dip.