Introduction
Making Simple Easy Homemade Bagels is an easy and rewarding process that requires minimal equipment and ingredients. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple shaping and cooking techniques, you can create delicious, soft, and chewy bagels that rival those from your local bakery. The best part? You can customize your bagels with a variety of toppings and flavors to suit your taste preferences. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the simple process of making classic bagels, and also provide suggestions for variations to explore.
Recipe
Ingredients:
* 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 cup warm water (around 105°F to 115°F)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Optional toppings and mix-ins (see suggestions below)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently to dissolve yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then use your thumbs to create a hole in the center, stretching the dough outwards to form a bagel shape. Place the bagels onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bagel.
7. Brush the tops of the bagels with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with optional toppings and mix-ins (see below).
8. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Optional Toppings and Mix-ins:
* Sesame seeds
* Poppy seeds
* Dried onion
* Garlic
* Sesame oil or other flavored oils
* Salt, pepper, or other seasonings
* Grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella
* Chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds
* Dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries
* Other herbs or spices, such as dried rosemary or cilantro
Tips and Variations:
* To create a more crispy crust, bake the bagels for an additional 5-10 minutes.
* Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for a distinct flavor and texture.
* Add a splash of flavor with different herbs or spices, such as dried oregano or cumin.
* Experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create unique flavor combinations.
* For a lazy day, you can also make bagel dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator until morning.
With these simple steps and ingredients, you'll be enjoying delicious, fresh-baked Simple Easy Homemade Bagels in no time!
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