Bagels are a type of bread that is boiled before baking, giving them a chewy texture and a shiny, golden crust. They originated in Jewish communities in Poland in the 16th century and have since become a popular breakfast food around the world. Making bagels at home might seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create delicious homemade bagels that are way better than store-bought ones.
Ingredients
To make 8-10 bagels, you'll need:
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
Optional toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough with your hands for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the dough rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the bagels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use your thumb to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole until it is about 2 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Boil the bagels
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and carefully drop in the bagels, one at a time. Boil for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Add toppings
Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the mixture onto the tops of the bagels. Sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Step 6: Bake the bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
One homemade bagel (without toppings) contains approximately:
Calories: 230
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
While bagels are a delicious breakfast food, they are also quite high in calories and carbohydrates. To make them a bit healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour and skip the toppings or use a lighter spread, such as cream cheese or hummus.
Conclusion
Making homemade bagels is a fun and rewarding project that will impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create delicious, chewy bagels that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to customize your bagels to your liking. Enjoy!