| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 279 | 8g | 1g | 49g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 9g | 0.79g |
One thing I’ve learned from my kitchen adventures in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is that a recipe doesn’t have to be complicated to be nourishing, delicious, and satisfying. And my recipe for Sesame Seed Bagels embodies all those qualities and more. The fusion of the nutrient-packed sesame seeds and the delectable fruit, not only treats your taste buds to a flavorful journey but also nurtures your body from the inside out.
A Love for Simplicity and Wholesomeness
Developing a love for cooking with simple ingredients started back when I was a child. In the mountains, one learns to appreciate the taste of natural produce and the benefits of eating fresh. As you can probably tell from my Sesame Seed Bagels, these hallmarks of mountain life have greatly influenced my culinary approach.
The main components of this recipe, namely the hearty flour base and the sprinkle of sesame seeds, blend in seamless synchrony to recall the rustic wholesomeness of traditional mountain breads. The humble sesame seed may seem small, but it is chock-full of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber (source). Plus, its nutty flavor and satisfying crunch take these bagels from simple to extraordinary.
Perfect Pairings and Variations
While these bagels are delicious on their own, they make a perfect stage to showcase flavorful spreads and delicious fillings. Imagine, for instance, spreading a layer of tangy cream cheese or topping them with slices of smoked trout, one of my local favorites. It would indeed bring a reminiscence of a fresh mountain morning, even on a city day.
Even beyond that, these Sesame Seed Bagels remind me of the sourdough bread my partner Gordon and I bake together during our cozy weekends. They boast the same versatility and can be used in similar recipes. Use these bagels as the base for sandwiches, or get creative and transform them into delightful bagel pizzas. The possibilities are truly endless!
In conclusion, every time I bake these Sesame Seed Bagels, it feels like I’m bringing a slice of the mountain life into my kitchen. And every bite feels like a celebration of the simple, wholesome ingredients which, when mixed together, transform into something so delicious and satisfying, it warms you from the inside out. Here’s hoping you enjoy creating (and eating) them as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 500g/1lb 2oz strong white bread flour
- 7g instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 250ml/9fl oz warm water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
Method
Step One
First, you will need to combine the 500g of strong white bread flour with the 7g of instant yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a mixing bowl. Stir these ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
Step Two
Create a central well in the dry ingredient mixture and pour in the oil and part of the warm water (around 200ml). Mix the ingredients until they began to form a dough. Gradually add in the remaining water, only as needed, until a soft, pliable dough is formed.
Step Three
Take the dough out of the mixing bowl and kneed it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a warm damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step Four
Punch the dough down and divide it into eight even portions. Roll each portion into a ball, flatten it slightly, and make a hole in each center with your thumb. Transfer these bagel shapes onto a greased baking sheet, cover with the cloth again, and let them rest for another 20 minutes.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and blanch each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side. After blanching, return the bagels to the baking sheet.
Step Six
Brush each bagel with the beaten egg and sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the tops. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step Seven
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack and serve with cream cheese or your topping of choice.
