Bagels are a type of bread that are boiled before being baked, giving them a chewy texture and a crispy crust. Here is a recipe for plain bagels along with some information on their nutrition.
Plain Bagel Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, mix together the honey and warm water.
- Add the honey and water mixture to the large mixing bowl and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and form each piece into a ball.
- Use your fingers to poke a hole in the center of each dough ball and gently stretch it to form a ring shape.
- Drop the bagels, one or two at a time, into the simmering water and boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Remove the bagels from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition:
The nutrition of a plain bagel can vary based on the size and the specific recipe used. Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for one plain bagel, assuming it is made with the above recipe:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sodium: 360 mg
Keep in mind that this is an estimate and the actual nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts used in your recipe. Bagels can be a good source of carbohydrates and protein, but they are also often high in calories and sodium. To make your bagels healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of bread flour to increase the fiber content. You could also add healthy toppings such as avocado, hummus, or fresh vegetables to increase the nutrient content and add flavor without adding too many extra calories.