Chewy New York Style Bagel Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons active yeast
• 4.5 teaspoons sugar
• 3.5 cups bread flour
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg for the egg wash
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dough: In a stand mixer*, combine the active yeast, sugar, bread flour, salt and water. Mix for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. 2 teaspoons active yeast, 4.5 teaspoons sugar, 3.5 cups bread flour, 1.5 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt.
2. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour, depending on the room temperature. (Tip: Place the bowl in the oven with the light on to help the dough rise.)
3. Prepare for shaping: Punch down the dough, let it rest 10 minutes.
4. Boil water: In a large pot, add 3 liters of water and bring to a boil.
5. Shape bagels: Divide the ball into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then make a hole in the middle of each ball. Place them on a baking sheet. Let the bagels rest for 10 minutes while the water is boiling.
6. Boil bagels: Boil each side of the bagels for 1-2 minutes, then place them back on the baking sheet. Don't overcrowd the pot, as the bagels will expand.
7. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
8. Prepare for baking: Brush the bagels with an egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
9. Bake: Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

*Note: If you prefer, you can knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes. However, if you bake regularly, I strongly recommend investing in a good stand mixer. I use a KitchenAid because they have a reliable warranty policy.