BAGES: Dona -shaped bread that we all like

Welcome! Bagels are delicious, aren't they? Known and consumed all over the world, these unique breads are the best thing we can have at home for any occasion. Breakfast? Brunch? A light lunch? Have your friends dropped by for lunch? Bagels.

That's why we offer you the best way to make them, endorsed and tested by us , of course. Because that's what we're here for: to eat like crazy until we find the best recipe for you, because we owe it to our audience.

About bagels

Bagels are a popular type of bread characterized by their ring-like shape and dense, chewy texture . Bagels are believed to have originated in Jewish cuisine in Poland in the 17th century and have since become an iconic food around the world.

Although bagels are widely associated with Jewish culture, their origin is attributed to Polish bakers in the 17th century . They were originally known as “bajgiel” in Polish and were created as a round loaf with a hole in the center for easy transport and storage.

Bagels can be eaten plain, toasted with butter, or used as a sandwich base with a wide variety of fillings, making them a versatile choice for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.

What's wrong with bagels?

A bagel is a bread made from simple but essential ingredients. Its base consists of wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. This mixture of ingredients provides the characteristic structure and texture, which is dense and chewy; its dough may remind you of the inside of a pita bread . The water and yeast are for fermentation, which allows the dough to rise and develop flavor.

In addition to these basic ingredients, a touch of sugar or honey is often added to flavor the dough . This can vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences. It's also common to briefly boil bagels in water with baking soda before baking, which gives the surface a distinctive touch and unique flavor.

Bagel varieties can include different flavors and toppings . For example, they can be covered with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onions, garlic, or even cheese. These toppings are applied to the dough before baking, adding a layer of flavor and texture that complements the bread base.

It is clear that although the shape is similar, bagels are different and typically salty, unlike classic donuts .

How to make a bagel?

A bagel is a type of bread characterized by its ring-shaped shape and unique texture . Although it's often classified as a bread, it's more than that. A bagel's most distinctive feature is its baking process , which gives it its slightly crispy outer crust and chewy interior .

Keep in mind that the process for making bagels is very similar to the one we saw in the pretzel recipe .

In terms of its composition, it's typically made with basic ingredients such as wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. Additionally, some bagel recipes incorporate a touch of sugar or honey into the dough to add a subtly sweet flavor. The dough is kneaded and then formed into rings with a hole in the center, giving it its characteristic shape.

Why are bagels open in the middle?

The hole in the bagel is an iconic feature that has become its hallmark . Although there is no single reason for its presence, several theories are attributed to the tradition of making bagels with a hole.

One theory suggests that the hole-shaped bread originated in Eastern Europe, specifically Poland, where it is believed to have been invented. Its ring shape made it easier to transport and store on the sticks or poles used in local markets .

Another popular explanation relates to baking . By briefly boiling the bagels before baking, the hole allowed boiling water to penetrate the center of the dough, cooking it evenly and giving it its characteristic texture of a crispy crust and crumbly interior.

Now, let's see how to make our own bagels.

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Bagel Recipe

Yields : 10 bagels

Preparation time : 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups of wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 3 large tablespoons of sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water
• Boiling water (enough to fill a large saucepan)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic, coarse salt, etc.

5 easy steps to make your bagels

1. In a large bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and the remaining warm water (1 cup). Mix until a dough forms. Then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Press the center of each ball with your finger and enlarge the hole to form a ring. Keep in mind that the center will shrink slightly during baking.
4. Heat water in a large saucepan and add the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bring to a boil. Boil the bagels in small batches (2-3 at a time) for 30 seconds per side, making sure they don't crowd each other.
5. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Remove the boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, add optional toppings before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.