Recipes

Homemade Bagels

Ingredients:

2 (1/4 ounce) packages yeast

2 cups warm water

¼ cup sugar, plus 1 Tbsp.

5 cups flour (approx.)

1 ½ tsps. salt

2 Tbsp. shortening

Optional Toppings: Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Kosher Salt

Directions:

Activate the yeast by combining it with the water and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 2 minutes, then stir until completely dissolved. Gradually add the salt and about 4 cups of the flour and salt and mix gently.

Add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time and mix until a stiff dough forms. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-8 minutes until it is no longer sticky.

Grease a medium sized bowl with about half of the shortening. Place the dough in the bowl, then turn it over such that it is completely coated with the shortening. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for about an hour.

After it has risen, punch the dough down and return it to the lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, then form each piece into a ball. Roll each ball into a 6-inch log. Join the ends together to form a circle.

Grease a sheet pan using the remainder of the shortening. Transfer the bagels to the pan, cover with a kitchen cloth, and let them to arise again for another half hour.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar to the water. In batches of 3 or 4 (depending on the size of the pot), add the bagels to the water and cook for 2 minutes, turning the bagels over halfway through.

Immediately upon removing the bagels, dip them into the toppings, if desired.

Place the bagels, topping side up, onto the prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes, turn them over, then bake for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.