Wild Yeast Blog - Susan’s Bagels

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Bagels

I haven’t made these in ages. It was time today. These are 50% home milled rye all of which was in the levain. 

I doubled the formula to get 16 / 100g bagels. I always use lye , absolutely no outrageous precautions needed except a towel to keep them from sticking to parchment/ pan. 

I didn’t retard these and it makes everything much easier , they rose beautifully. Very pleased . 

700g AP - Arrowhead Mills

240g cold water

56g milk powder

34g non- diastatic malt powder 

20g salt

600g active levain

Combine everything and mix in KA til blended and rubbery. My KA is a champ and had no problems with 1600g of stiff dough. Do not develop gluten. Rest dough, make balls and rest , shape in 8-10 snake wrap around hand and roll ends on counter in palm. Rise til puffy. Set up 1-2Tbsp lye in cold water, bring to boil, lower 4 bagels in for 20 sec per side. Remove to towel . Bake on oiled sheet so they don’t stick. Preheated 400° for 25 minutes. 

A slightly marbled look because I didn’t get the AP mixed quite enough. Beautiful crumb with a shmear. 

Flavor is outstanding with a great rye coming through. Texture is perfect light crumb slight chew and crisp crust. Very pleased 






 


Just boiled


 

These look yummy.  As you know I use lye for my pretzels but never have for bagels.  Does the lye make them taste like pretzels?

It’s used in a much less concentration for bagels. The effect is the paper thin crispness to the crust and the burnished color and shine. There is also a subtle flavor difference with lye that’s lost if other products are used. JMHO. 

I haven’t made pretzels in years but I think I might since I seem to be in the mood for lye. 😊


your pretzel rolls are always beautiful. Much darker than bagels . Thank you for looking. c

I haven’t made bagels in years.  I will have to give it a go soon.  Look forward to your pretzels post 😀

They look wonderful Caroline, I don't think I've ever had a rye bagel before and certainly haven't made one.  Actually I've never made bagels.

Benny

We like a bit chewy. I boil them 20 sec per side. They are unintentionally swirled with the white dough… oops. I cut and freeze and we each get 1/2 of one with our yogurt and fruit every morning. I can’t  eat a whole one if I am having anything else. 

Her recipe is perfect. It does very well without the retard. Way easier. She doesn’t use rye that was my alternate flour. Do try them.