Skyway Pretzel Bites with Spicy Meat Sauce

1.In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

2.Add the flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3.Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4.Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them.

5.In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Meanwhile, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long, then cut into 1-inch bites.

6.Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.

7.Brush each pretzel bite with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

8.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

9.While the pretzel bites bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

10.Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

11.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

12.Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and stir in half the chopped parsley.

13.Transfer the spicy meat sauce to a serving bowl, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve warm alongside the pretzel bites for dipping.