Plain, Onion and Sesame Breadsticks Recipe

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 oz/30 g fresh yeast or 2 (1/4oz/7-g) packages active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• scant 1 cup/200 ml warm water

• 3 1/2 cups/525 gall-purpose/plain flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 tbsp sesame seeds

1. Sauté the onion in the oil for about 5 minutes, or until transparent. Set aside to cool.

2. Dissolve the yeast in 4 tablespoons of water for 15 minutes, until foamy.

3. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, yeast mixture, and the remaining water to make a stiff dough.

4. Break one-third of the dough and knead the onion and oil mixture into it. Knead the remaining dough until smooth and elastic. Set aside to rise.

5. After about 1 hour, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 2-3 minutes.

6. Divide the dough into portions about the size of an egg, then shape them into sticks about the thickness of your little finger.

7. Take one-third of the dough sticks (not the ones flavored with onion) and roll them in the sesame seeds.

8. Sprinkle all the dough sticks lightly with flour and transfer to three oiled baking sheets, keeping them a finger's width apart. Cover with a cloth and set aside to rise for 1 hour.

9. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F/220°C/gas 7 for 5-7 minutes. When cooked, the breadsticks will be well-browned but not too dark. Let cool before removing from the sheets.