Doughnuts

Fluffy and Aromatic Bagels

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe, bagels are the perfect choice. These fluffy bagels, with a golden brown crust, are a delight for the taste buds and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This recipe comes from Mrs. Laura Laurentiu, a true artist in the kitchen, known for her extraordinary recipes. Let’s venture together into making these delicious bagels!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 bagels

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour (ideal for bread or all-purpose)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 g melted butter (preferably unsalted)
- 300 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 beaten egg, mixed with a little milk and sugar for glazing

Making bagels is a simple process, but it requires a bit of patience. Take your time to enjoy each step of the recipe!

Step 1: Activating the yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 25 g of fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar (to help activate) and 50 ml of warm milk. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This is the sign that the yeast is active and ready to give your dough a fluffy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

Sifting the flour is essential for obtaining a fine dough. In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the activated yeast mixture. This step is important as it allows the ingredients to mix evenly.

Gradually add the remaining warm milk (about 250 ml) and start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients combine. Finally, pour in 50 g of melted butter and continue kneading. The dough should become non-sticky and elastic. If necessary, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 3: Rising the dough

Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 30-60 minutes or until it doubles in volume. This is when the magic happens! You can use this time to relax or prepare other ingredients.

Step 4: Shaping the bagels

After the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased surface. Divide it into equal pieces, depending on the desired size of the bagels (12 servings are ideal). Shape each piece into a bagel by rolling the dough and joining the ends. Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Baking

Before putting them in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush each bagel with the beaten egg mixture, a little milk, and sugar. This step will give the bagels a golden color and a tempting crust. Bake for 30 minutes or until they turn brown and golden. You will be greeted by an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 6: Serving

Let the bagels cool slightly on a rack and then enjoy them warm. This versatile dessert can be served plain, but also adds a special touch alongside fruit jams, honey, or butter. You can also pair them with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, turning them into a perfect snack for breakfast or a gathering with friends.

Helpful tips and variations

- You can add herbs, such as dill or oregano, to the dough for savory bagels.
- Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic taste and enhanced nutritional benefits.
- If you have seeds on hand, you can sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the bagels before baking for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits

These bagels are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing you with the energy you need throughout the day. Additionally, the butter adds healthy fats, and adding herbs or seeds can increase the vitamin and mineral content. A serving of bagels has about 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used, so enjoy them in moderation!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 10 g of dry yeast. Mix it directly with the flour and follow the steps as usual.

2. How can I keep the bagels longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them. Before consuming, let them thaw at room temperature.

3. Can I add chocolate or dried fruits to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate or dried fruits can transform the bagels into a delicious dessert.

We hope this bagel recipe has inspired you to start cooking! Whether you enjoy them with loved ones or prepare them for a special occasion, they will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Happy cooking!