There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a freshly baked bagel, especially when you’ve made it from scratch. While plain bagels are a classic choice, adding a burst of fruity flavor with blueberries takes this beloved breakfast staple to a whole new level. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make homemade blueberry bagels and discuss the crucial step of boiling them in water infused with barley malt or honey for that signature chewy texture and irresistible shine.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups bread flour
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup or honey
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
– 1 ¼ cups warm water
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Add blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them too much. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Divide and shape:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then use your fingers to poke a hole in the center and stretch it out to form a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them.
5. Boil the bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Stir in barley malt syrup or honey until dissolved. Carefully lower the bagels, 2-3 at a time, into the boiling water and cook for about 1 minute per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the baking sheet.
6. Bake:
On Parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking pan, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Conclusion:
Making blueberry bagels from scratch is a rewarding endeavor that elevates your breakfast experience. By incorporating barley malt syrup or honey into the boiling water, you achieve that signature chewy texture and glossy finish that sets homemade bagels apart. Whether enjoyed toasted with cream cheese or as the base for a breakfast sandwich, these blueberry bagels are sure to become a favorite in your household.
