Bagels

Homemade Bagels: A Delight Every Morning

Who doesn't love a morning filled with delicious aromas? Bagels, these yeast-leavened rings, are an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or a quick snack. This recipe will transform your mornings into a true culinary celebration. Whether you fill them with cream cheese and smoked salmon or serve them plain, these bagels are absolutely delicious! Let's discover together how to prepare them step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 bagels

Ingredients
- 450 g of wheat flour (plus for processing)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast
- 3 eggs (2 for the dough, 1 for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil
- Warm water (about 200 ml)
- Salt (for boiling water)

Necessary utensils
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or dough mixer
- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- A large pot for boiling
- A cooling rack

A brief history
Bagels have a long tradition, rooted in international culinary culture. These rings were originally considered a delicacy, often served on special occasions. Over time, they have become popular worldwide, especially during busy mornings, due to their versatility. From simple fillings to exotic combinations, bagels are a true challenge for culinary imagination.

Step by step for homemade bagels

1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Add the salt and dry yeast, gently mixing the dry ingredients. Then, make a well in the center of the flour.

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs together with the oil and honey. Pour the mixture into the well made in the flour.

3. Adding water: Heat 200 ml of water until it becomes warm (not hot!). Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, continuously mixing with the spatula or dough mixer. You will obtain a sticky dough, but don't worry, this is normal.

4. Kneading the dough: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and transfer the dough. Knead the dough vigorously for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. A tip: if the dough sticks too much, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid affecting the texture.

5. Proofing the dough: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 40 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to prepare your favorite coffee or tea!

6. Shaping the bagels: After the dough has risen, knead it again for a few minutes on the work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. From each piece, shape a long roll about 20 cm. Then, join the ends of the roll to form a ring. Wet the ends with a little water to stick better.

7. Final proofing: Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with baking paper and cover them with a towel. Let them rise for 20 minutes.

8. Boiling: In a large pot, bring water with salt to a boil. Submerge each bagel, one by one, in the boiling water using a slotted spoon, and let them boil for 20 seconds. This technique will give the bagels that characteristic crust!

9. Baking: Place the parboiled bagels back on the baking tray. Beat the third egg and brush them with it for a beautiful golden color. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C with fan) for 15 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

10. Cooling: Remove the bagels from the oven and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely. They will have an irresistible aroma!

Useful tips
- Keeping fresh: Bagels stay fresh for up to 3 days if kept in a closed container. You can also freeze them and take one out whenever you crave.
- Variations: You can add spices to the dough, such as garlic powder or sesame seeds, to give them a distinct flavor. You can also experiment with various fillings, including cottage cheese, avocado, or grilled vegetables.
- Serving: Bagels are delicious both plain and with various toppings. You can try combinations like goat cheese with olives or peanut butter with bananas.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
2. Why do they need to be boiled before baking? Boiling helps form the crust, giving the bagels that specific, dense, and fluffy texture.
3. How can I make bagels sweeter? Add more honey or sugar to the dough, or you can make a sugar glaze after baking.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Your bagels will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn every morning into a memorable experience. Savor each bite and enjoy this homemade delight!