| Prep: 2 hours 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 245 | 2.3g | 0.4g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 9g | 0.98g |
About Bagel
Welcome! Today, we’re taking a delightful plunge into the world of Bagels, those chewy, round wonders that have become a breakfast staple around the globe. Their humble beginnings trace back to the Jewish communities in Poland, but today you’d be hard-pressed to find a corner of the world where this delightful bread hasn’t carved out a niche.
Let’s talk technique first. Bagel-making is truly a baker’s craft. It involves yeast-leavened dough, a little sweetening, and a distinct boiling process before baking. By being boiled first, a deliciously defined crust develops, resulting in a glossy finish that’s characteristic of true Bagels. Once the outside is browned to perfection, you’re left with a bread that’s crispy on the outside, yet preserving a soft, chewy interior. It’s this unique play of textures that sets regular bread and Bagels apart.
Perfectly Paired with…
Bagels offer a blank canvas, ready for a painter’s stroke of culinary inspiration. This is why they’ve found their way into many creative dishes and pairings, rather than just the traditional breakfast spread. From the classic Bagel sandwich filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, to adventurous Bagel pizzas, this bread is the perfect companion to a multitude of fillings and toppings.
A Bread By Any Other Name…
One might even suppose that Bagels bear some similarities to other bread favorites. They’re quite like donuts in shape, but put aside any confusion; bagels have a very different flavor and texture. You may also find parallels with the German pretzel or Turkish simit due to their similar cooking techniques. Yet, Bagels own their unique style and flavor, which have captivated palates internationally.
Moving on to the versatility of the Bagel, it’s a bread that morphs with the times and trends. You’ll find them in different flavors, from whole grain to blueberry to everything-spiced. While sesame seeds and poppy seeds are common garnishes, you can sprinkle on almost anything to suit your fancy. Feeling adventurous? Try your Bagels with a touch of visible flair by adding colorful edible glitter or a variety of seed mixtures.
In conclusion, these inviting circles of warmth and flavor are more than just breakfast food. They’re a delightful snack, a delectable lunch, and in some cases, a transformative gourmet ingredient. More than just the sum of their parts, Bagels bring comfort, variety, and joy to our tables. So, who’s ready to bag a Bagel?
What You’ll Need
- 1 package (0.25 oz) of active dry yeast
- 1 and a half cups of warm water (110-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 3 to 4 cups of bread flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3 quarts of water
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds (optional)
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Step Two
Add 3 cups of the flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add the additional cup of flour.
Step Three
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Four
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal parts. Shape each part into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your thumb to shape it into a bagel. Cover the shaped bagels and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Step Five
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring the 3 quarts of water and the honey to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
Step Six
Boil the bagels, a few at a time so they are not overcrowded, for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step Seven
Brush the boiled bagels with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds if desired.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
