I’ll admit, when I took my first bite, my initial thought was: these ACTUALLY taste like bagels! I sent one with Benny on his way to work this morning, and he called me right after he tried his with a similar thought.
I’m no Goldberg’s, New York Deli or remotely sure how to express what seperates a good bagel from a great bagel, but for my first bagel attempt… I’d say one this was a success.
Bagel Recipe
makes 8 bagels
You’ll need:
500 grams flour (buy a scale. it’s worth it.)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
1 egg
toppings of your choice: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, coarse salt
Step 1: Combine 1/2 cup warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, and then stir until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using your hands, make a well – meaning, make a large space in the middle of the flour. Pour the yeast mixture and remaining warm water in the well, and combine using your hands.
Step 3: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Not sure how to knead? I wasn’t either. I do as I always do… and turn to google. There’s tons of great online videos on how to knead bread. Need one too? Try this one. Step 4: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil (spray works too!) and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let sit in a warm place for about an hour, until the dough doubles in size. Be patient! It’s worth it.
Step 5: Punch the dough (it will deflate slightly). Form back into a round ball and cover again for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Lightly grease a baking sheet. Separate dough into 8 pieces, and form rounds. Flour your hands if necessary, and make a hole in the center. Set aside.
Step 7: Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil, and simmer. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side; closer to 2 minutes if you prefer chewier bagels (like me!).
Step 8: Topping time! Beat the egg with 1/4 cup of water. Brush lightly on each bagel, and top as you’d like.
Step 9: Bake the bagels at 425 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Off to go to my new grocery store for cream cheese & nova. Happy Saturday!