How do make soft pretzels without eggs?

Ingredients:

- 2 cups warm water (110-115°F)

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading

- 1 tablespoon kosher salt

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon baking soda

- Coarse salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and bubbly.

2. Add Flour and Salt: Add 3 cups of flour and the salt to the bowl. Start the mixer on low speed and mix until the dough starts coming together. Gradually increase the speed to medium and continue kneading for 3-4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Add Oil: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the vegetable oil to the dough. Continue kneading until the oil is fully absorbed and the dough comes together in a smooth, cohesive ball.

4. First Rise: Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil. Transfer the dough to the greased bowl and turn it over once to coat in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it aside in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.

5. Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a long rope about 24 inches (60 cm) long. Fold the rope in half and twist it into a pretzel shape, crossing the ends over and pressing them into the base.

6. Second Rise: Place the pretzels on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Prepare Boiling Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until it dissolves. While the pretzels are rising, bring this water to a boil again and reduce the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer.

8. Boil the Pretzels: Carefully lift each pretzel and drop it into the simmering water. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side, or until they puff up and turn a light golden brown. Remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.

9. Sprinkle with Salt: Sprinkle the tops of the pretzels with coarse salt.

10. Bake the Pretzels: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and firm. Remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your soft and chewy vegan pretzels!