Sourdough Bagel

Directions

1. Make sure your sourdough culture is active at 100% hydration.
2. Knead all the ingredients for the dough using your hand (This is a very stiff dough, it might break your electric mixer if you will use it for kneading. At some point, there will be dry bits of flour just be patient and knead it until the outside of the dough is smooth.
3. Place the dough in a clean and oil-free bowl. Cover it with cling wrap or a clean wet towel. Make sure that the dough will not dry out.
4. Let the dough rest on the countertop for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 8-12 hours or 2 days maximum.
5. After the cold fermentation, place it at room temperature for 4 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) for an hour.
7. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, or best if you can weigh them equally. Shape each piece into a small ball by tucking the corners underneath, cupping the dough, and rolling it in a circular fashion on a clean, flour-free countertop.
8. Cover the dough balls with cling wrap or a clean towel and let them rest for 1 hour.
9. Shape the bagels. There are many ways you can shape a bagel feel free to watch them on YouTube, but I prefer to shape it by poking a hole with your finger directly to the center of the dough ball. Insert both index fingers into the hole and roll fingers around each other to stretch out the center until they are about 2 inches big.
10. Prepare the hot bath for the bagels. Combine the water, barley malt syrup, and baking soda. Bring to a boil.
11. Dip the bagels for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Using a spider strainer carefully scoop out the bagels then transfer them quickly into the cold water, let them rest in the cold water for about a minute or 2.
12. Using the spider strainer remove the bagels from the cold water bath then quickly place them into a grilling mesh or if desired, sprinkle it with everything bagel seasoning or black sesame seeds with a pinch of salt, or white sesame seeds with a pinch of salt.
13. Place the grilling mesh with the bagels on it directly to the oven plate. spray it with water to create steam inside the oven then close the oven door quickly. bake for about 18-20 minutes. (depends on how hot your oven is)
14. Bagels are expected to have a golden brown color. Also, that's a queue that they are ready to take out from the oven.
15. Once the bagels are out of the oven, let them rest for about 15-20 minutes before eating or cutting.
16. Add schmears if you want. stay safe and enjoy your warm sourdough bagels.