Making homemade bagels is a rewarding process that results in delicious, chewy bagels. Here’s a straightforward recipe:
### Ingredients
#### For the Dough
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
#### For the Water Bath
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons honey or barley malt syrup
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
#### For Topping
- 1 egg white, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, etc.)
### Instructions
#### Making the Dough
1. **Proof the Yeast**: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. **Mix the Dough**: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough**: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
#### First Rise
4. **Let the Dough Rise**: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
#### Shaping the Bagels
5. **Divide and Shape**: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
6. **Form the Bagels**: Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger, then gently stretch and shape the dough into a bagel shape, making the hole about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 10 minutes.
#### Boiling the Bagels
7. **Prepare Water Bath**: While the bagels rest, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the honey or barley malt syrup and baking soda.
8. **Boil the Bagels**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Carefully drop a few bagels into the boiling water, without crowding the pot. Boil each side for 1 minute, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
#### Baking the Bagels
9. **Egg Wash and Toppings**: Brush each bagel with the egg wash and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
10. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
### Serving
11. **Cool and Serve**: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving.
### Tips
- **Bread Flour**: Using bread flour is important as it gives the bagels their chewy texture.
- **Flavor Variations**: Mix-ins like cinnamon and raisins, or garlic and herbs can be added to the dough for different flavors.
- **Storage**: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. To refresh, slice and toast them before serving.
