New Yorkers are very passionate about their bagels. An authentic New York bagel has the balance of chewiness and a shiny crust. Achieving that bite requires using high quality ingredients and employing careful techniques during the shaping, boiling and baking process. Follow this guide to create New York style bagels that are just as good as the ones you’d find in a professional kitchen.
What Makes New York Bagels Stand Out
So what makes New York bagels different from your bagel? There are a distinctive features that set them apart;
1. A chewy interior; One of the defining characteristics of a New York bagel is its dense yet chewy texture inside. Achieving this involves using bread flour with high protein content and allowing time for proper rising.
2. A glossy, crispy crust; The secret to achieving that shiny appearance and crispiness on top is boiling the bagels before baking them. This gelatinizes the exterior giving it its signature look.
3. An indulgent flavor; The delicious taste of New York bagels comes from incorporating malt syrup or barley malt into the dough recipe. This adds both sweetness and complexity to every bite.
4. Size; Unlike larger puffier counterparts New York bagels are known for being small, in size. This creates a ratio of crispy crust to fluffy interior.
Here’s what you need to make New York style bagels;
Bread flour; Opt for unbleached bread flour with a higher protein content instead of all purpose flour. King Arthur offers an option. The extra protein helps create the texture and chewiness.
Malt syrup or barley malt; This special ingredient adds sweetness and depth of flavor. You can find barley malt extract or eden brand malt syrup for this purpose.
Salt; Kosher salt provides the right amount of flavor. Its coarse grains distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Yeast; Active dry yeast is essential as it acts as the leavening agent. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active.
Water; Lukewarm water helps activate the yeast. Some recipes also include honey in the dough for added sweetness.
Toppings; Enhance your bagels taste and texture with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds or onion flakes after baking.
Now let me guide you through the step, by step process of making New York style bagels;
1. Activate the yeast; Mix the yeast with water and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Prepare the dough; In a bowl whisk together the bread flour and salt until well combined.
To prepare the dough create a space in the center and add the mixture of yeast, malt syrup and lukewarm water until the dough becomes slightly rough.
Thoroughly knead the dough by placing it on a surface covered in flour. Apply force while kneading for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop gluten.
Let the dough rise by greasing a bowl and placing the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise at room temperature for 1 2 hours until it doubles in size. Gently press down on the risen dough to release any trapped air.
Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each piece into a round shape. Create a hole, in the center of each round by using your finger making them 3 inches wide by gently stretching them.
To enhance flavors and improve texture refrigerate the shaped dough overnight on a tray lined with parchment paper. This slow cool rise allows for flavor development.
Prepare boiling water in a pot. Gradually add a bagels at a time to boil for 1 minute flipping them halfway through using a slotted spoon. Remove from boiling water. Place them on a wire rack to cool.
Here’s the revised version;
1. Apply toppings; After boiling make sure to coat the bagels with your choice of everything bagel seasoning or preferred seeds. The toppings will adhere nicely to the surface.
2. Bake until golden brown; Arrange the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them at 450°F for 15 20 minutes until they achieve a deep golden brown color. The shiny crust will indicate that they have reached the level of gelatinization.
3. Allow to cool and serve; Give them a time to cool down before slicing and serving. For the experience enjoy New York style bagels on the day they are freshly made. Of using a knife its recommended to split them by hand for optimal texture.
Flavor Variations;
Once you have mastered making New York bagels feel free to experiment with exciting flavor combinations;
Cinnamon Raisin; Incorporate 1/4 cup of raisins into the dough along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Blueberry; Gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Onion; Before baking generously sprinkle dried minced onions, over the bagels.
Garlic Parmesan; Once baked, brush some garlic infused olive oil on the crust and sprinkle it with parmesan cheese.
Storing New York Style Bagels
Although it is always best to enjoy bagels you can store them properly to make them last for a few days;
Room temperature storage; To keep uncut bagels fresh wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and leave them at room temperature. They should stay good for up to 2 days.
Freezing; If you want to extend the shelf life of bagels allow them to cool completely first. Then tightly wrap each bagel in either aluminum foil or freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. They should be fine for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them simply let them thaw at room temperature. Give them a quick refresh in the oven.
Authentic New York Bagels At Home
Now with quality ingredients and careful technique you have the opportunity to savor chewy and malty bakery style New York bagels right, from your kitchen! Impress your friends and family with these homemade creations. Keep in mind that this recipe requires some time and effort. Every bite will be worth it. You’ll proudly showcase your mastery of this culinary delight.
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