Homemade donuts and Japanese

Homemade Bagels and Japanese Style Breads

Welcome to the fascinating world of home baking! Today, we will prepare homemade bagels and Japanese style breads, a simple recipe with an impressive result that will leave no one indifferent. These bagels are perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack, or even at a festive meal. Let's discover together how to achieve these golden and fluffy delights!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 bagels

Ingredients:
- 650 g wheat flour
- 400 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 large egg
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 50 ml lukewarm water
- Poppy or sesame seeds for decoration (optional)

A short history:
Bagels have an ancient tradition in many cultures, often associated with festivities and moments of celebration. In the past, they symbolized prosperity and wealth, being prepared with love and dedication. Whether served warm with butter or filled with various ingredients, bagels have always managed to bring joy to our tables.

Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the ingredients. It is important that the milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and the dough will not rise.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast along with the sugar in 50 ml of lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
3. In a bread machine or a large bowl, add the ingredients in the following order: salt, egg, milk, oil, flour, and finally, the yeast mixture. This order is essential for achieving the perfect dough texture.
4. Select the kneading and rising program of the bread machine. If you do not have such a machine, you can knead the dough by hand. This will take about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

Shaping the bagels:
5. After the dough has risen and doubled in volume, remove it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for a few minutes to release the air.
6. Divide the dough into equal pieces (approximately 80-100 g each) and shape them into bagels, rolls, or Japanese style breads, according to your preferences. You can create various shapes, such as a large bagel or several small rolls, depending on the occasion.
7. Place the shaped bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise again until they double in volume, about 30-40 minutes.

Baking:
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). While waiting, beat an egg in a small bowl and brush each bagel with it to achieve a golden and shiny crust.
9. If desired, you can sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on top of the bagels for a crunchy appearance and delicious aroma.
10. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden. It is important to check them in the last few minutes, as each oven bakes differently.

Serving and suggestions:
After the bagels are baked, let them cool on a rack. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with butter, jam, cheese, or even filled with meat or vegetables for a hearty breakfast.

Variations:
- You can add herbs such as rosemary or oregano to the dough for an unusual taste.
- Instead of oil, you can use melted butter for a richer flavor.
- If you want to experiment, try adding ingredients such as olives, cheese, or nuts to the dough.

Nutritional benefits:
These bagels are a good source of carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy to start the day. Whole wheat flour can add fiber, and poppy or sesame seeds are rich in calcium and healthy fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and add it directly to the flour.
- How can I tell if the bagels are baked?
The bagels are baked when they have a golden color and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
- Can I freeze the bagels?
Yes, you can freeze the bagels after they have completely cooled. You can keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

With this homemade bagels and Japanese style breads recipe, you are ready to impress your family and friends! Not only will you add a delicious dish to your table, but you will also enjoy the satisfaction of baking at home. So put on your apron and embark on this culinary adventure!