Turkish bagels
Turkish Bagels – a Simple and Delicious Recipe
In a world full of flavors and textures, Turkish bagels stand out for their simplicity and taste. These fluffy and aromatic bagels are perfect for a savory breakfast or a delightful snack throughout the day. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or fill them with your favorite ingredients, Turkish bagels will delight you with every bite.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Rising time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 bagels
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 cup of warm water (about 250 ml)
- 1 cup of warm milk (about 250 ml)
- 1 cup of oil (about 250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- Flour as needed (about 700 g, but add gradually to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers)
Ingredients for the filling (the choice is yours):
- Soft butter, at room temperature
- Grated cheese or telemea cheese
- Diced ham
- Pitted olives, sliced
- Sautéed onion (optional)
Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 beaten egg
- Sesame or poppy seeds for decoration
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Add the warm milk, oil, salt, and sugar, mixing well. These ingredients will create a moist and flavorful base for your dough.
2. Adding the flour: Begin to add flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue to add flour until you achieve an elastic dough that does not stick to your fingers. It’s essential not to add too much flour at once, so take your time.
3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size. Rising is a crucial step that will ensure the bagels have a fluffy texture.
4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling ingredients. Grate the cheese, dice the ham and olives, and ensure the butter is soft, almost like cream. Vary the filling according to your preferences; for example, sautéed onion adds a savory flavor.
5. Shaping the bagels: Once the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces, about the size of an egg. Take each piece and roll it out with a rolling pin to form a disc the size of a plate. Brush each disc with butter, then add the chosen filling.
6. Rolling and shaping: Roll each disc of dough, joining the ends to form a bagel shape. Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with flour or parchment paper. At this point, it’s good to let the bagels rise for another 15-20 minutes for an even fluffier result.
7. Brushing and decorating: Using a cloth or a brush, coat the bagels with the beaten egg to achieve a golden crust when baking. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for a special touch.
8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and place the tray with bagels inside. Bake for about 40-60 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. You’ll be delighted by the aroma that will fill your home!
9. Serving: Let the bagels cool slightly before enjoying them. You can serve them warm alongside a cup of tea or a glass of yogurt. They are also delicious when cold and can be used as sandwiches for lunch.
Personal story: In my childhood, my grandmother made these Turkish bagels every Sunday. The enticing smell that filled the house was always a sign that a special day filled with joy and sharing was ahead. Now, when I prepare this recipe, I remember those beautiful moments and the love that went into making them.
Nutritional benefits: These bagels are a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour, and the chosen filling can add proteins and healthy fats. By selecting ingredients carefully, you can create a balanced snack that supports a varied diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, use 7 g of dry yeast, but you need to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.
2. What other fillings can I use? Vary the filling according to your preferences. You can add vegetables, different cheeses, meat, or even combinations of several ingredients.
3. How can I store the bagels? Keep the bagels in an airtight container or wrap them in cling film. They can be consumed for 2-3 days but are best fresh.
Possible variations: Experiment with spices by adding dill or oregano to the dough for extra flavor. You can also try adding a bit of pepper or chili to the filling for a spicy kick.
Turkish bagels are more than just a recipe; they are an experience that brings family and friends together. Try making them and bring a piece of culinary tradition into your home. With every bite, you will not only taste the flavor but also feel the warmth and love behind this simple and delicious recipe. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Ingredients for dough: 1 cup warm water, 1 cup warm milk, 1 cup oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 cube of yeast, flour as needed until it doesn't stick to fingers. For filling: can be filled with butter, cheese, ham, olives, sautéed onion, etc. I only made it with cheese and butter. For brushing: 1 egg, sesame or poppy seeds.
