Parmesan Garlic Knots

Ingredients:

1 standard packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 1/3 cup warm water

For the topping: 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter), 3 or 4 garlic cloves minced, 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For garnish: Parmesan cheese, Cilantro/Parsley chopped  

Method: 

In a bowl mix the flour, salt, sugar, yeast.

Add Olive Oil and warm water and make a soft dough. Knead the soft dough on a clean, flour dusted surface for at least 6-8 mins. (If using a stand mixer, once combined, take it out and knead with hands for best results)

Once the dough comes together, grease a bowl and place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl and leave at room temperature to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.

Once it does, take the dough and punch out the air. Knead it again for 2-3 mins and divide it into 16 portions. Shape knots out of it or any shape to your liking.

Place the knots in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it and let it rise for another 30-40 mins.

Preheat the oven to 400F. One the knots puff up, brush them with a part of the butter mixture. Bake for 18-20 mins (or until the knots are golden and well baked)

Bring them out of the oven, brush them with the remaining butter mixture generously (you make use less butter if you like, but tastes best with loads of butter). Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh chopped cilantro/parsley and serve warm with marinara.