bagels

Sure, here’s a simple recipe for making homemade bagels:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bagels: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch the hole to make a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped bagels with a damp cloth and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Boil the Bagels: In a large pot of water, bring about 4-6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Carefully lower 2-3 bagels into the simmering water and boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the boiled bagels and place them back on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bagels.
9. Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush each boiled bagel with the beaten egg, which will give them a shiny finish when baked. Sprinkle your choice of toppings onto the bagels.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
11. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice them and enjoy with your favorite spreads or fillings.

Homemade bagels are delicious and versatile. You can customize the flavors by adding ingredients like cinnamon and raisins to the dough, or by experimenting with different toppings. Enjoy your freshly baked bagels!