Bagel Recipe
Bagels are often referred to as the "American simit" in Turkey, but I believe this comparison is unfair to both simit and bagels. The two are vastly different in shape, texture, and taste.
If someone craving a simit finds a bagel satisfying, they may as well just eat bread instead of looking for either. But don’t take this as me saying bagels aren’t good. I just appreciate the difference enough to recognize that both are distinct experiences.
Bagels make for a fantastic alternative for breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Similar to pretzels in preparation, bagels develop their thick outer crust, soft interior, and unique flavor through a special method. Traditionally, barley malt syrup is added to both the dough and the boiling water used to cook them. This helps create the bagel’s characteristic crust. However, in this recipe, we’ll be using molasses instead, which can be substituted with any variety you have on hand.
Bagel Seasoning Recipe
One of the key elements that gives bagels their unique flavor is the seasoning sprinkled on top. You can buy this seasoning pre-made, or make your own at home. Here’s an easy recipe:
- 1/4 onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp black cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Let them dry in the sun at room temperature or bake in the oven at 150°C. Mix the dried onion and garlic with the other ingredients, and your seasoning is ready to use.
Why Boil Bagels?
The main reason for boiling bagels is to create their signature thick crust. Boiling causes the starches in the dough to gelatinize, forming a crust that will become crisp when baked. A small amount of molasses or sugar is added to the water to help the crust turn a deeper red color. This process also prevents cracking and ensures the bagels hold their shape in the oven while maintaining a soft interior texture.
Serving Suggestions
Once your bagels are out of the oven, slice them in half and fill them with your favorite sandwich ingredients. Cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh veggies, or your preferred deli meats all make for delicious bagel sandwiches.
Enjoy the recipe...
Bagel Recipe with Video
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups of flour,
- 1.5 cups of lukewarm water,
- 1 packet of instant yeast,
- 1 tsp of any kind of molasses,
- 1 tsp of salt,
- 1 egg white (for topping),
- Bagel seasoning.
For boiling:
- 1.5 liters of water,
- 1 tsp of baking soda.
- 1 tsp of molasses.
Preparation
- Mix water, yeast, and molasses in a large bowl,
- Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously,
- Add salt along with the flour and knead until a firm dough forms,
- Knead the dough on the counter for about 10 minutes, folding as you go,
- Cover and let the dough rest for 45 minutes,
- Knead again and divide into four equal pieces,
- Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes,
- Shape each piece into a bagel by making a hole in the center and stretching it,
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot,
- Add molasses and baking soda,
- Drop each bagel into the boiling water, cooking each side for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper,
- Once cooled, brush the tops with egg white and sprinkle with bagel seasoning,
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden brown.
Enjoy!