Bagel is a bread that is known for its versatility. It is easy to make and tastes great. You can enjoy different flavors and serve bagel as a breakfast item or with tea or coffee.
Brief History and Origin
The exact origin of the bagel is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Poland during the 17th century. The word “bagel” is derived from the German word “beugel,” which means “ring” or “bracelet.” The traditional shape of a bagel resembles that of a ring or bracelet, making it easy to identify as such.
Bagels quickly became popular among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe due to their religious significance; they were often used as part of Sabbath celebrations and other special occasions such as weddings or Bar Mitzvahs. In addition, they were consumed on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) because they could be eaten quickly before fasting began at sundown.
In the late 1800s, many Jews immigrated to America from Eastern Europe, bringing their beloved bagels with them. At first, bagels were mostly found in Jewish bakeries in New York City, but eventually, they gained popularity throughout America thanks to their delicious taste and convenience. Today you can find bagels all over the world!
Bagel – The Recipe
- Preparation Time: 30 mins
- Cooking Time: 35 mins
- Additional time: 1 hrs. 20 minutes
- Total time: 2 hrs 25 min
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 7g active dried yeast
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil for greasing
- 1 tbsp. bicarbonate of soda
- 1 egg white to glaze
- 3 tbsp. poppy seeds for topping
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix yeast with lukewarm water. Mix well in a large bowl. Add sugar, salt, and flour. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeasty liquid. Mix thoroughly until rough dough.
- Transfer to a working surface and knead for 10 minutes until consistent and elastic. When ready, transfer to an oil-greased bowl, cover with a towel and leave for 1 hour or until double the size.
- Prepare oven and preheat to 160 degrees C. Also, prepare 2 baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough to the work surface, divide it into 8 equal portions, and transform them into a ball shape. Arrange them on the prepared baking trays, cover them with a towel and leave for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the towel and make a hole using a finger in the center of each bagel.
- Pour water into a large saucepan over medium-high heat, boil, and add bicarbonate of soda. Then add bagels, and boil for 1 minute. Flipping halfway through boiling, boil 1 or 2 bagels at a time.
- When ready, remove from the saucepan using a slotted spoon, allow to drain and arrange back on the baking trays.
- Apply egg white wash on each bagel using a brush, sprinkle with poppy seeds and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
- When ready, remove from oven, place on the wire rack to cool completely, then serve.
Popular variations
Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:
- Chocolate Chip Bagels: Adding chocolate chips gives the bagel a unique twist that everybody loves.
- Banana Bread Cinnamon Bagels: You can make bagels using banana bread. It offers a unique experience.
- Blueberry Bagels: Blueberry bagels are delicious. The distinct flavor of blueberry makes the bagels very tasteful.
- Sourdough Rye Bagel: Sourdough rye bagel is a unique way of making a delicious bagel.
- Sourdough Bagels: The slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture make sourdough bagels a favorite.
