Prepare your own healthy bagel bread easily
What is healthy bagel bread?
Bagel breads are small round and soft breads originating from Jewish cuisine. They are typically boiled before being baked, which gives them their characteristic texture. Traditionally, bagel breads are high in calories and carbohydrates, but it is possible to prepare them in a healthier way by using nutritious ingredients and making a few adjustments in the cooking process.
The key ingredients
To make healthy bagel bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
- Yeast
- A little sugar or maple syrup to activate the yeast
- Salt
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, oats or other toppings of your choice
Preparing the bagel bread
Here are the steps to prepare your healthy bagel bread:
- In a bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to froth.
- Add the flour and salt in another bowl and mix well.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size.
- Cut the dough into portions and shape them into bagels by making a hole in the center of each piece.
- Boil water in a pot and add a little sugar. Drop each bagel into the boiling water for a few minutes on each side.
- Drain the bagels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the toppings of your choice on the bagels.
- Bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, until they are golden brown.
Customize your healthy bagel breads
The beauty of bagel breads is that you can customize them to your taste! Add chia seeds or flaxseeds to increase the omega-3 fatty acid content, or add grated vegetables like carrots or zucchinis for more fiber and flavor. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different ingredient combinations to create your own variations of healthy bagel breads.
FAQ
What is the difference between a bagel bread and regular bread?
Bagel breads are boiled before being baked, which gives them their special texture. Furthermore, bagel breads are generally denser and softer than regular breads.
Can I freeze my healthy bagel breads?
Yes, you can freeze your healthy bagel breads once they are baked. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. To thaw, leave them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the oven or toaster.
How long do healthy bagel breads last?
Healthy bagel breads generally last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, it is best to freeze them.
Can I prepare my healthy bagel breads in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bagel bread dough in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, you can shape the bagels, bake them, and enjoy them fresh.
What is the difference between traditional bagel breads and healthy bagel breads?
Traditional bagel breads are often higher in calories, carbohydrates, and fats. Healthy bagel breads, on the other hand, are made with more nutritious ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, and can be customized with healthy toppings.
