Introduction
Homemade bagels are a delightful treat that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. With a chewy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside, bagels make for a perfect breakfast or snack option. This recipe allows you to explore the joy of making bagels from scratch, giving you the opportunity to experiment with flavors and toppings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Flour – 500g strong white bread flour
Water – 300ml lukewarm water
Yeast – 10g dried yeast
Sugar – 10g sugar
Salt – 10g salt
Toppings – to taste (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)
Prep Time
Preparation for these delicious bagels takes about 30 minutes. This includes mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough until it reaches the right consistency.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is approximately 20 minutes, leading to a total time of about 50 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 8 bagels, perfect for sharing with family or friends, or for enjoying throughout the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Combine flour and yeast in a mixing bowl. Add warm water and a pinch of salt. Mix until you form a dough.
Step 2: Kneading
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shaping the Bagels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to shape the bagels.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the shaped bagels on a floured surface, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Boiling
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the bagels in for about 1 minute on each side. Remove and let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the boiled bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Cooling
Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Freshness
Bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Note 2: Toppings
Feel free to experiment with various toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning before baking.
Note 3: Flavor Options
You can add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough for additional flavor.
Note 4: Freezing
Bagels freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping and freezing. They can be toasted directly from the freezer.
Cook techniques
Making the dough
To create bagel dough, mix flour, salt, yeast, and water. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Shaping the bagels
Divide the dough into equal portions, then roll each piece into a ball. Use your thumb to make a hole in the center and shape it into a bagel.
Boiling the bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then gently drop in the shaped bagels. Boil for 1-2 minutes on each side to achieve that classic chewy texture.
Baking the bagels
After boiling, place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until they are golden brown and have a shiny crust.
FAQ
How do I know if my dough is ready?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and is smooth and elastic to the touch.
Can I add toppings to my bagels?
Yes, you can add various toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning before baking.
What should I do if my bagels are too dense?
If your bagels are dense, ensure that you allowed the dough to rise adequately and that you didn’t over-knead.
How can I store leftover bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze them for longer preservation.
Conclusion
Creating homemade bagels is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, chewy, and delicious bread right from your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can impress family and friends with your baking skills. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and savor every bite of your homemade creations.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Flavored Bagels
Try adding different ingredients to your bagel dough, such as garlic, onion, or herbs for a savory twist. For a sweet variation, incorporate cinnamon or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Bagel Sandwiches
Use your homemade bagels to create delicious sandwiches. Experiment with spreads like cream cheese, avocado, or hummus, and add toppings such as smoked salmon, cucumbers, or tomatoes.
Bagel Chips
Slice leftover bagels thinly and bake them until crispy to make a tasty snack. Serve with dips like tzatziki or guacamole for a delightful appetizer.
Bagel Pizzas
Transform bagels into mini pizzas by topping them with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is bubbling for a quick and fun meal.
Sweet Breakfast Bagels
Make breakfast bagels by spreading nut butter or chocolate spread on a toasted bagel and topping with banana slices or berries for a nutritious start to your day.