Bagels

Bagels: Delicious Treats for Breakfast or Snack

Bagels, those fluffy and delicious rings, are a perfect choice to add a touch of originality to your culinary routine. They not only look good but are also extremely versatile, being able to be served with a variety of fillings, from smoked salmon with cream cheese to Nutella for a sweet touch. Plus, making bagels at home is a pleasant and satisfying experience that will turn you into a true baking master!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8 large bagels or 16 small bagels

Ingredients:
- 370 g of flour
- 25 g of sugar
- 50 g of butter at room temperature
- 225 ml of warm milk
- 14 g of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg (separated into white and yolk)
- 1 extra tablespoon of milk
- Sesame and poppy seeds for decoration

Step by step for perfect bagels:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the dough. If you have fresh milk, gently warm it. Avoid boiling it; it should be warm to the touch.

2. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, pour the warm milk. Add the butter and sugar, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Now, add the dry yeast to the milk mixture and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You will see bubbles forming on the surface, a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work wonders with your dough.

3. Combining the ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour and salt. Once the yeast has started to ferment, add the egg white to the milk mixture. Then, pour the liquid mixture over the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.

4. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead it for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Doubling in volume: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the bagels: Once the dough has risen, gently press it to release the air. Roll it out on the surface and cut it into 8 large pieces or 16 small ones. Shape each piece into a ball and then make a hole in the center of each ball using your finger or a cooking utensil. Make sure the hole is large enough, as it will shrink during baking.

7. Second rise: Place the shaped bagels on trays lined with parchment paper. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for 15-30 minutes.

8. Boiling the bagels: Preheat the oven to 200°C. To achieve a perfect texture, place water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is essential, as boiling helps form a delicious crust. You can also add a little baking soda to the water for a crunchier crust.

9. Baking: Place the boiled bagels on a tray, brush them with the egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of milk, and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top. Bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the bagels cool on a rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature, with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even Nutella for a sweet breakfast.

Serving suggestions: You can customize your bagels with different toppings. Try them with slices of avocado, fresh tomatoes, and basil or with feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean twist. Bagels are also great for sandwiches, so don't hesitate to experiment!

Healthy option: If you want a healthier option, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for a higher fiber content.

Calories and nutritional benefits: One bagel has about 250-300 calories, depending on size and added ingredients. They provide a good source of carbohydrates, and adding sesame or poppy seeds brings healthy fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?* Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity. About 42g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 14g of dry yeast.
- *How can I keep bagels fresh longer?* Store bagels in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to let them thaw gradually at room temperature before consuming.

By experimenting with this recipe, not only will you enjoy delicious bagels, but you will also add a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even at a gathering with friends, your bagels will surely be appreciated! So get ready to be applauded for your culinary talent!

 Ingredients: 370 g of flour, 25 g of sugar, 50 g of butter at room temperature, 225 ml of warm milk, 14 g of dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg separated into white and yolk, 1 extra tablespoon of milk, sesame and poppy seeds.