TheBakingRecipes

Classic Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour (you can use bread flour for a chewier bagel)
• 10g salt
• 10g sugar (for the dough)
• 7g dry yeast (or 15g fresh yeast)
• 300ml warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon malt syrup or honey (for the boiling water)
• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
   • In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
   • Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the vegetable oil or melted butter.
   • Mix until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
2. Knead the dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
   • If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
3. First rise:
   • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the bagels:
   • Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
   • To shape each bagel, press your thumb through the center of each ball, and gently stretch the hole to form a ring. The hole should be about 2-3 inches wide, as it will shrink a bit while boiling and baking.
5. Boil the bagels:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the malt syrup or honey (this adds flavor and helps the bagels brown nicely).
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and carefully drop the bagels into the water, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Preheat the oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
7. Optional egg wash:
   • If you’d like a shiny, golden crust, whisk the egg and brush it on top of each bagel before baking.
8. Add toppings (optional):
   • If you’d like to add toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.), sprinkle them on top of the egg-washed bagels now.
9. Bake the bagels:
   • Bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

These bagels are perfect for breakfast with cream cheese, lox, or any of your favorite spreads. You can also enjoy them toasted with butter or as a sandwich! Enjoy!