Serves: 5
Total Calories: 394
Yield: 12 Bagels

1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups white unbleached flour
sesame or poppy seed for sprinkling on top (optional)
FOR THE COOKING WATER
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

1. Place the yeast, water, sugar, oil, salt, and 4 cups of flour in a large mixing bowl and mix together with your hands. If the dough is too wet to pick up, add a little more flour. As soon as you can handle the dough, knead it for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

2. Spread a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled-side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in bulk. Lightly sprinkle a sheet of parchment paper or clean kitchen towel with flour and set aside. Also grease a large baking sheet and set aside.

3. Punch down the risen dough and cut in half. Divide each half into 6 equal pieces (for a total of 12). Dust your hands with a little flour and roll each piece of dough into a 10-inch-long rope. Join the ends and pinch together to form a smooth circle; if necessary, use a drop of water to make a good seal.

4. Transfer the bagels to the floured parchment paper or towel, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes. While they are rising, fill your largest-diameter pot halfway with water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the water boils gently.

5. Lift each risen bagel with a spatula and carefully slide it into the boiling water without crowding the pot. (You will have to do this in several batches.) Boil the bagels on one side for 3 minutes, then turn over and boil another 3 minutes. Remove from the pot and place on paper towels to drain for a minute or so. Sprinkle with seeds (if using).

6. Transfer the bagels to the greased baking sheet. (If they don’t all fit without crowding, put the overflow on a greased cake pan.) Place in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rich golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 394
Calories from Fat: 24

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Pita
Lavash
Pideh
Matzoh
Focaccia
Pizza Crust
Dinner Rolls
French-Style Hard Rolls
Whole Wheat Rolls
New York Bagels
Egg Bagels
Teething Biscuits
Soft Pretzels