The Basic Bagel

The Basic Bagel
Total Time: 1hr 40min [Prep: 40min, inactivate:40min, Cook:20min]
Yield: 12 bagels

Ingredients
1 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 package) or active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp oil
1 1/3 cup (320cc) lukewarm water
570g bread flour

1 Tbsp honey

1 egg white
1 Tbsp water
sesame seeds (optional)
shredded cheese (optional)

Directions
1. Knead the dough: By Hand: In a large bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and lukewarm water and stir (The ingredients do not need to dissolve in the water. The yeast may be a little lumpy.) If using active dry yeast, combine the yeast, sugar and the water in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit until foam forms, about 10 minutes. Then add the salt and oil and stir. Add the flour to the bowl and mix with a spoon or a spatula first in order to avoid the dough sticking to your hand. When the mixture starts to come together, start using your hand, and transfer the dough to a clean surface. Knead the dough until smooth, about 15 minutes.

By Kitchenade: In the mixer bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and lukewarm water and stir. Attach the bowl and dough hook to the mixer. Add the flour and turn to speed 2 and mix the dough. Continue kneading on speed 2 until smooth, stopping and scraping bowl if necessary, about 5~7 minutes.

2. Let the dough rest: Divide the dough into even 12 pieces. Form each piece of dough into a ball. Cover the balls with a damp towel to avoid dehydration. Rest the dough for 10 minutes.

3. Shape the dough: Lightly dust the rolling pin with flour. One at a time, place a ball on to a clean surface, bottom side up, and roll into an oval shape. Roll the dough lengthwise and pinch the edges to seal, and make it into a 7~8-inch rope. Overlap and join the ends (If you like harder, tighter dough, twist the rope when you join the ends). Squish and roll to fuse the ends. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.

4. Proof the dough: Cover with a dry towel, and let it rise about 20~30 minutes.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 420 degrees.

6. Boil the dough: In a pot, boil 1.5~2L of water. Add the honey and stir. Lower the bagels into the water, 2~3 bagels at a time, and boil them for 30 seconds per side.

7. Dress the bagel: Place the bagels onto a prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the egg white and one table spoon of water. Brush the bagels with the egg white mixture.

8. Bake the bagel: Transfer the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 9 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and bake for another 8~9 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and let them cool on a wire rack.

Variations
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle with sesame seeds after brushing with the tops with egg whites. Cheese: Sprinkle with the shredded cheese after baking 9 minutes. The cheese will burn if you put it on at the beginning.