Written By Christine Lan
Bagels, those doughy delights with a chewy exterior and a soft interior, have been a staple in the world of breakfast foods for decades. But have you ever wondered why they're boiled before being baked? It's this unique combination of boiling and baking that gives bagels their distinct texture and flavor. In this article, we'll dive into the fascinating process of making bagels, explore why they're boiled before baking, and even provide you with a DIY bagel recipe that not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to reducing waste for our planet.
The Boiled and Baked Magic
At first glance, the process of boiling and baking bagels might seem unusual. After all, most breads and baked goods go straight into the oven. But the secret behind bagels' signature chewiness and shiny, golden-brown crust lies in this dual cooking method.
Boiling: Before heading into the oven, bagel dough is boiled in a water bath for a short period. This pre-baking step serves several essential purposes. It sets the outer layer of the dough, giving the bagel its distinctive chewiness. The boiling process gelatinizes the starches on the surface, creating a glossy, crackly crust during baking. Additionally, boiling gives the bagel its characteristic dense interior while maintaining a tender crumb.
Baking: Once they're boiled, bagels are transferred to the oven for baking. The high heat of the oven causes the bagels to expand further and develop that appealing golden-brown color on the exterior. The crust becomes crisp, while the interior remains soft and flavorful.
Recipe
Now that you're familiar with the science behind boiled and baked bagels, let's get our hands doughy with a DIY bagel recipe that's both satisfying and planet-friendly. By making your own bagels, you're reducing waste from packaging and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Ingredients:
4 cups bread flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1½ cups warm water
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 tsp salt
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt and pour in the yeast mixture.
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
To shape the bagels, punch a hole in the center of each dough ball and gently stretch the hole to create a ring shape.
Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with a reusable baking mat and let them rise for about 20-30 minutes.
While the bagels are rising, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once the bagels have risen, carefully place a few of them into the boiling water and a spoon of honey for about 1-2 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled bagels back to the baking sheet.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and have a crisp crust.
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before enjoying them with your favorite spreads or toppings.
Bagels for a Better Planet
Aside from the sheer joy of baking and savoring homemade bagels, there's an added bonus to making your own: reducing waste for the planet. Store-bought bagels often come packaged in plastic or paper, contributing to unnecessary waste. By making bagels at home, you can use reusable containers for storage and reduce your carbon footprint.
In conclusion, the process of boiling and baking bagels is more than just a cooking technique—it's a marriage of science and art that results in a beloved breakfast treat. As you embark on your bagel-making journey, remember that the choices we make in our kitchens can have positive impacts on the environment. So, go ahead, boil, bake, and savor the deliciousness of homemade bagels while knowing you're doing your part for a greener planet.
PS: If you don’t have bread flour refer to my video below
