Recipe for sesame bagels

If you’re a fan of bagels with a touch of nuttiness and a delightful crunch, then sesame bagels are the perfect treat for you. These delicious and versatile bagels are a popular choice for breakfast or as a base for sandwiches. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and rewarding recipe to create your own batch of sesame bagels. With a combination of basic ingredients and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade sesame bagels that rival those from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients:

For the bagels:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 and 1/4 cups warm water

For boiling:

• 2 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey or malt syrup (optional)

For topping:

• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
3. Shape the Dough:
   Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. To shape the bagels, flatten each ball and poke a hole in the center with your thumb. Gently stretch the hole to make it about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
4. Let the Bagels Rise:
   Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about 20 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
5. Preheat the Oven and Boiling Water:
   Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the sugar and honey or malt syrup (if using) to the boiling water.
6. Boil the Bagels:
   Gently lower the risen bagels, one or two at a time, into the boiling water. Boil them for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove the boiled bagels from the water and place them back on the lined baking sheet.
7. Add Sesame Seeds:
   Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the tops of the boiled bagels. Press them gently to ensure they adhere to the dough.
8. Bake the Bagels:
   Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the bagels for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
   Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice the sesame bagels and serve them plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads and toppings.

With this simple recipe, you can bring the delightful taste and texture of sesame bagels into your own kitchen. The combination of the nutty sesame seeds and the perfectly chewy bagel creates a satisfying experience that will keep you coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy the pleasure of homemade sesame bagels any time of the day.