Makes 8 large bagels
INGREDIENTS
For the yukone: 1 cup cold water | 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
For the yeast: 1/2 cup warm water | 1 heaped tsp active dry yeast | 1 tsp sugar
For the dough: 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour | 3 tsp salt | 1/2 cup water
Additional: 1 tablespoon honey or agave | 1 egg white | topping choice (sesame, chia seeds …)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preparing the yukone*
In a skillet, whisk water and flour over medium heat until thick like mashed potatoes. Scrape onto a plate, cover, and cool for around 30 minutes.
*Japanese technique to prepare a thick paste of gelatinized starch before incorporating that paste into a dough.
Step 2: Activating the yeast
After you cooled the yukone, add the sugar and warm water to the yeast.
Wait for 5-7 minutes till they foam and rise.
Step 3: Making the dough
Mix the yukone with half of the quantity of flour and the instant yeast mixture in a dough maker. Knead for 5 minutes. Then, progressively add the remaining half of the quantity of flour, the half cup of water, and finally the salt.
Then, continue to knead for around 10-12 minutes depending on the power of your dough maker. Make sure the dough becomes silky smooth and can be stretched without tearing.
Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover to keep it warm, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, split the dough into 8 even balls.
Now, cover the balls with a towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Forming the bagels
You can now form the bagel shape by poking a moist finger in the middle of the ball, and then increasing it in size in a rolling motion using your two fingers.
Then, place all the bagels in a tray, cover them, and let them rest for 2 hours.
Step 5: Boiling the bagels
By the end of the waiting time, boil water in a big pan with 1 tablespoon of honey or agave. There should be enough water so that the bagel does not stick when you drop it in. Gently drop the bagels into the water boiling one or two at a time. Boil for 1 minute, flip over and boil for another 1 minute. Wait for 2-3 minutes till the bagels cool down, then brush the top with the egg white. Now, depending on your preference, add sesame seeds, chia seeds, or others.
Step 6: Bake the bagels
On a non-stick flat baking pan, place the bagels while separating them slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
