Steamed Bagels

½ cup warm water

2 tspn yeast

1 T sugar

3.½ cups strong flour (bread flour “00” or high grade)

1 ½ t salt

1 ¼ to 1 ¾ cup warm water extra

Olive Oil

Optional toppings ie sesame seeds, poppy seeds, grated parmesan

Add first quantity of water, yeast and sugar to small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes .

Add flour and salt to large bowl (or to mixer bowl if using a mixer to knead)

Add ¾ of the extra water as you mix until the dough comes together and becomes  firm and smooth but not sticky.

Knead for 8 - 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic

Transfer to oiled bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour. Cover bowl unless  using steam oven to rise dough choose dough proving function uncovered

When doubled in size remove dough from bowl and knock back and divide into 8 equal pieces.

Use ring cutter or form ball and then create hole with finger in centre of ball.

Line a baking tray with baking paper and place bagels on tray.

Set oven to Steam 100C 6  minutes

Steam bagels

Remove from oven , brush with olive oil, and top bagels with your desired toppings such as sesame seeds, parmesan cheese, rock salt, or poppy seeds

Set oven to 220C Fan assisted + Steam 25%  20 minutes.

Preheat oven and then place Bagels in oven and cook 20 minutes or  until golden brown.