Bagels are a part of the routine for many people and can be served as breakfast, lunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. This is why many people wonder how they can make this even more delicious treat for themselves. That said, bagel-making requires a little patience and time that culminates in a rewarding experience for those who put in the effort.
History of Bagels
For thousands of years, the bagel has been a staple in Jewish culture. The name “bagel” comes from the German word beugel, meaning “ring-shaped bread”. Bagels first appeared as an Eastern European food but have since become popular in America and other countries worldwide. They’re typically made with malt, which gives them their unique flavor and texture. They came to America around 1900 when Jewish immigrants brought their recipes for this delicious dish with them to New York City.
The following ingredients will be necessary:
- Two teaspoons of instant yeast
- Three teaspoons dark brown sugar
- Add one and a half cups of room temperature water to the mixing bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of salt
- 4 cups of bread flour
- Two teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal and flour for dusting purposes
Making the Bagel
Mix yeast with brown sugar and water in a large mixing bowl. Stir while adding sugar and flour, making sure the flour is completely hydrated. Pour or spoon the dough mixture onto a lightly dusted countertop and knead it for about five to seven minutes. It is better to need more time than less, so if five minutes does not seem like enough time, give yourself an additional couple of minutes. Put back the dough in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Leave it to rise for two hours.
Flour a cutting board and shape your dough on it. Cut portions evenly at four ounces, each with a knife. Mold each dough ball into a sphere. Let it rest for five minutes. Pierce the center to make an opening. The dough should be stretched or rotated until it reaches the desired size. When you finish the dish, cover and refrigerate it for an hour before serving.
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Place a baking sheet in the oven and turn it to 400 degrees. Pour cornmeal on the baking sheet and dust it with flour after you remove it from the oven. Fill a pot with 2/3 water. Drop one bagel at a time in there, ensuring they don’t touch each other and boil for two minutes. Turn over and cook for 1 1/2 minutes.
This should make them firm and puffy. Let them rest on a cooling rack for one minute before placing them on the baking sheet, and then bake for 15 minutes. When you are finished, rotate the pastry sheet 90 degrees and continue baking for five minutes. On an instant-read thermometer, the bagels should read 185 degrees when done.
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Tips
This is the recipe for a plain but tasty bagel. Anyone who prefers heavy toppings on their breakfast food will not like this easy dish. Add a few of the same ingredients that you would find on your typical bagel at a bakery while still following this recipe. Sprinkle the dough with cheese, bacon bits, or even sliced olives. This may include chocolate chips, blueberries, or any combination the heart desires. As long as a creative mind is in the kitchen, no meal will be boring.
