Roasted Garlic Sourdough Knots with Pecorino

Ingredients

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup bubbly, active sourdough starter (see note)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 6 thyme sprigs, leaves removed, stem discarded
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
• 2 tablespoons unsaltedvegan butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• vegan mozzarella cheese, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Cut the top of the garlic head off so the cloves inside are exposed.
3. Place the garlic cut-side-up on a square of foil, then drizzle the olive oil over the top.
4. Wrap the foil up and around the garlic, forming a sealed packet.
5. Place directly on the oven rack and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until the cloves are golden brown and spreadably soft.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the starter and water with a fork
7. Add the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, and thyme leaves, and stir to form a shaggy dough, ensuring you catch the bits of flour on the sides of the bowl.
8. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature until the garlic is finished roasting.
9. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle comfortably, squeeze the cloves out directly into the bowl, and knead briefly to incorporate the cloves into the dough.
10. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 8 to 10 hours at 70F.
11. Once the dough is fully risen, remove the towel, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
12. The next day, when ready to bake, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
13. Carefully transfer the cold dough to a lightly-floured work surface and let rest for 10 minutes.
14. Using a knife or bench scraper, divide the dough into 10 equal strips, each one about 2 ounces. Hold the ends of one strip, and gently stretch to tie a knot shape.
15. Place on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining dough strips.
16. Brush the knots with olive oil.
17. Cover the dough and let rest until puffy, 1 hour or more, depending on the temperature of the room.
18. Preheat the oven to 400F.
19. Uncover the knots, place the baking sheet on the center oven rack, and bake until light golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
20. When finished, transfer the hot knots to a large bowl.
21. Drizzle over the melted butter, then sprinkle with parsley and grated mozzarella to taste. Toss well to coat evenly, then serve warm, and enjoy!