Our Favourite Sesame Seed Bagels

We've been making our own lunches for years to save on all of the waste associated with buying convenience food plus it can be significantly cheaper too. One of our favourite bakes is bagels, they may look a little tricky but once you get the hang of them you'll be making them every week too! These usually last up to a week fresh but you can also freeze them so none of them go to waste.

If you decide to give these a go give us a tag on Instagram @theminimalnz so we can see them! 

Makes 8 large bagels

Ingredients:
500g plain flour + extra for kneading
1 tsp salt
300ml warm water
2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp garlic oil
1 tsp baking soda + 4-5 cups of water for boiling bagels

Toppings (optional)
Sesame seeds
Flaky sea salt

1. In a large bowl mix together the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and add the sugar, yeast, oil and half the water.
3. Leave to sit until the yeast starts slowly bubbling.
4. Start mixing until it starts to form a dough, slowly add the rest of water.
5. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. In a clean bowl drizzle oil around the bowl and place your dough in the bowl, press the dough into the oil and let it slide around the sides of the bowl so as the dough rises it doesn't stick to the bowl.
7. Place a tea towel over the bowl in a warm place and leave until double in size.
8. Once double in size punch the dough and push out all of the bubbles. Leave to sit for 5 minutes.
9. Divide dough into eight, roll into balls and then push a hole using your thumb through the center of the ball. Leave for ten minutes.
10. In a large pot, add 4-5 cups of boiling water and 1 tsp baking soda. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with un-baking paper.
11. Depending on your pot size add a couple bagels and let them sit in the water for two minutes and then flip them over for another two minutes and place on the baking tray. Continue until you have done this with all bagels. You'll notice they will almost double in size.
12. Put your favourite toppings on - I like a mix of sesame seeds and flaky sea salt.
13. Bake for twenty minutes or until golden brown. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled. 💛