GARLIC KNOTS

I made this for the very first time and loved it!  It was a very good lasagna. I made it for a dinner we have for friends.  They also loved it.  

Lasagna for me has always been made with a red sauce with meat.  This was totally different. I am very happy I tried it because it is my new favorite.  I have been on an Italian Food kick lately and this recipe is a keeper.

These are the perfect little bit of bread to go with any pasta dish.

GARLIC KNOTS

BREAD INGREDIENTS:

2 ½ Cups Bread Flour

1 Packet Instant Yeast or 2 ¼ teaspoons

1 ½ teaspoon Sugar

¾ teaspoons Salt

½ teaspoon Garlic Powder

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

GARLIC BUTTER INGREDIENTS:

4 Tablespoons Salted Butter

3 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon Fresh basil, chopped

Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional

BREAD DIRECTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt and garlic powder and stir well. 

3. Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir until all ingredients are well combined.

4. Gradually add the rest of the bread flour, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive, elastic ball and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be manageable with your hands.

5. Drizzle a bowl with olive oil and coat the dough with the oil. Let rise, about 30 minutes, until double.

6. Once the dough has risen, use your hand to gently deflate it and transfer to a log about 15” long and cut into 9 even pieces. 

7. Roll each piece until it is about 8 inches long or long enough to tie into a knot. Set the tray someplace draft free and warm and proof for 5 minutes. 

8. Transfer to the oven and bake for 13 minutes or until just browned. Prepare the garlic butter.

GARLIC BUTTER DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine butter and garlic in a small saucepan over medium/low heat. Cook until butter is melted and garlic is fragrant. 

2. Remove from heat and stir in the minced basil. Use a pastry brush to brush this onto the hot knots. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired. 

NOTE:

I make this in my bread machine on the dough setting and it does just fine.