Making your own bagels might seem like a culinary feat, but with this straightforward recipe, you can enjoy freshly baked bagels right from your kitchen. They're perfect for a delicious salmon bagel or a simple spread of cream cheese.

Ingredients:

• 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tsp salt
• 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 300ml warm water
• 2 tbsp golden syrup or honey
• Coarse polenta or semolina, for dusting
• 100 smoked salmon
• 140g cream cheese
• Bunch of chives

1. Dough Preparation:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and gradually add it to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. First Proofing:

• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Forming Bagels:

• Once risen, knock back the dough on a floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
• Push your finger through the center of each ball to form a ring and gently stretch the dough to shape the bagel. Arrange on a tray dusted with polenta or semolina and rest for 10 minutes.

4. Second Proofing:

• Cover the bagels with a tea towel and allow to rise for another 20 minutes.

5. Boiling the Bagels:

• Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan, Gas Mark 7).
• Boil a large pot of water and stir in the golden syrup or honey. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain.

6. Baking:

• Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

7. Cooling and Serving:

• Let the bagels cool on a wire rack. They are best served warm, and you can slice and toast them before adding your favourite fillings.

8. Adding the Toppings:

• Once the bagels are ready, slice each one open. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each half. Top with slices of smoked salmon. Optionally, you can add capers, thinly sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of fresh dill for additional flavour.

 

With these bagels, you'll have the perfect base for a delicious breakfast or brunch—try them with the recommended toppings for a classic salmon and cream cheese bagel or enjoy them with butter and jam for a simpler treat