Makes 8
What a delight to make and enjoy these crunchy nutty Turkish bagels. Stefan loves them with Nutella and mozzarella while my husband and I have them either with butter and jam with tea and coffee or with hummus, spinach dip and roasted pepper dip. Hot from the oven are at their best but they keep very well in an airtight container for couple of days. I love covering them in sesame and poppy seeds but if you wish to keep the tradition, use sesame seeds only. Do not skip the toasting of the sesame seeds for a nuttier flavour.
500 g/ 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a few extra tablespoons, if needed
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
350 mL/ 1 ½ cup warm water
60 mL/ ¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup molasses
120 mL/ ½ cup water
1 cup sesame seeds, toasted
½ cup poppy seeds (optional)
Mix flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer using the dough hook.
Pour in warm water gradually, followed by oil. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is very sticky and it does not come together, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour, as needed.
Transfer the dough into a floured surface and knead it until it is no longer sticky, for about 8-10 minutes. Place dough back into the bowl and cover with a tea towel for about 1.5 hours until it doubles.
Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds. Place them in a small deep plate. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix molasses and water and set aside.
Once the dough is ready to work with, punch it down and place it onto a floured surface. Divide it in 16 equal pieces. Work with two pieces at a time. Roll each piece into equal ropes and twist them in opposite direction to make a braid. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Place the ring onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Dip each ring into the molasses mix, then into the sesame seeds or a mix of sesame and poppy seeds, if desired.
Bake for 12-15 minutes in a 400 °F/ 200 °C preheated oven until golden brown and fully cooked.
NOTE: If you do not have a stand mixer, you can mix everything by hand.
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