Not-Knots

Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Pinch off balls of the dough about 1 inch in diameter and roll into round balls, then place the balls on the oiled baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, combine the garlic butter and Parmesan in a pan and stir together over medium-low heat until melted. Pour into a metal bowl large enough to toss the balls in.

Heat a deep pan of vegetable oil to 350°F and fry the balls, stirring them so they cook evenly, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the balls from the pan, then put them in the bowl with the Parmesan garlic butter and toss to coat them thoroughly. Serve on top of a salad or as a side dish.

Sprinkle the yeast over 1 1/2 cups of warm (not lukewarm) water. Let stand for a few minutes.

Combine the flour and salt in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on low speed and drizzle in the oil until combined with the flour. Next, pour in the yeast mixture and mix until just combined and the dough comes together in a sticky mass.

Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil and form the dough into a ball. Toss to coat the dough in the oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it aside for at least 1 or up to 2 hours at room temperature, or store in the fridge until you need it, up to 4 days ahead. Bring the refrigerated dough to room temperature before using.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the garlic and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes to release the flavor, but don’t let the garlic brown.