The Nutritional Benefits of Garlic in Bagels

Garlic isn’t just a way to add flavor to your food. It’s a superfood, with lots of health benefits. Baked into a bagel, it gives you taste as well as health in each and every bite. Here’s why garlic should be a rightful resident in your diet — and how your garlic bagels can make it easy to welcome it with open arms.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Garlic is packed with antioxidants, such as allicin, which help fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a key role in reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. A garlic bagel provides an easy and delicious way to incorporate these powerful compounds into your diet.

2. Immune System Booster

Garlic has long been celebrated for its immune-boosting properties. It contains sulfur compounds that enhance the immune system’s ability to ward off illnesses. Starting your day with a garlic bagel isn’t just a flavorful treat—it’s a proactive step toward better health.

3. Heart Health Benefits

Regular consumption of garlic has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Garlic helps lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, garlic bagels can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

4. Digestive Health Support

Garlic contains prebiotic compounds that nourish gut-friendly bacteria. A healthy gut is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being. By enjoying a garlic bagel, you’re not only satisfying your taste buds but also supporting your digestive system.

5. Low in Fat but Big on Flavor

Garlic bagels are typically low in fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence. The bold flavor of garlic means you can skip heavy spreads or toppings, keeping your meal light yet satisfying.

Incorporating garlic into a staple like bagels makes it easier for people to reap these benefits without adding extra steps to their routine. Whether paired with a schmear of cream cheese, some fresh vegetables, or enjoyed plain, garlic bagels make healthy eating delicious and accessible.

How Our Garlic Bagels Are Made

Bagels, those beloved, round, chewy breads, have a fascinating process behind their creation. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a curious foodie, understanding the journey of a bagel from raw dough to the final baked good is a rewarding experience. In this piece, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps of making bagels, from mixing the dough to the final bake, and then take you through a mouthwatering garlic butter spread recipe that will elevate your homemade bagels to new heights.

Step 1: How to Make A Good Bagels

1. Mixing the Dough

The journey of a bagel begins with a basic dough mixture, but the secret to a perfect bagel lies in using a commercial dough mixer. These mixers are designed to handle the heavy, dense dough that bagels require, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated and the gluten develops properly, which is essential for that signature chewy texture.

To start, combine high-gluten flour, yeast, salt, and water in the mixer. The dough should be mixed until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency. This process usually takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the speed and power of your mixer. The dough is ready when it passes the “windowpane test” — you should be able to stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers into a thin, almost transparent membrane without it tearing.

2. Shaping the Bagels

Once your dough is mixed and has rested briefly, it’s time to shape the bagels. Begin by dividing the dough into equal-sized portions, usually about 100-120 grams each. This ensures that your bagels will bake evenly and have a consistent size.

Next, take each portion and roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your hand. From here, roll the dough into a log or rope, roughly 20 cm in length. The key to getting that classic bagel shape is to flatten one end of the rope, then wrap the other end around and press it into the flattened section. This will create a dough ring that is plump and rounded — the hallmark of a perfect bagel.

3. Boiling the Bagels

Boiling is the most critical step in making bagels. It’s what gives them their unique chewy texture and shiny crust. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. You can enhance the flavor and color of the bagels by adding a bit of honey or malt syrup to the water — about 1-2 tablespoons per liter.

Gently lower the shaped bagels into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Let them boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side. The longer the boil, the denser the bagel will be, so adjust the timing based on your preference. Boiling also pre-gelatinizes the starches in the dough, which helps to set the crust and keeps the bagel from rising too much during baking.

4. Baking the Bagels

After boiling, transfer the bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Once the oven is hot, bake the bagels for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the bagels bake is irresistible and a sure sign that something delicious is on the way.

When the bagels are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool. This allows the crust to remain crisp while the interior stays soft and chewy.

Step 2: Making the Garlic Butter Spread

While your bagels are cooling, it’s time to prepare a decadent garlic butter spread. This spread is the perfect companion for fresh bagels, adding a savory, buttery layer that elevates the flavor profile.

Start by peeling and finely mincing several cloves of garlic. The amount of garlic can be adjusted to taste, but for a rich, garlicky flavor, 4-5 cloves are ideal. In a heatproof bowl, combine the minced garlic with a generous amount of softened butter, honey, heavy cream, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water to gently heat the mixture, stirring continuously until the butter is fully melted and all ingredients are well combined.

Once the butter has melted, crack an egg into the mixture and stir slowly and continuously. The egg helps to emulsify the spread, giving it a creamy texture. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as you don’t want the egg to scramble. Instead, aim for a smooth, creamy consistency that’s easy to spread.

Step 3: Preparing the Bagels for Baking

With your bagels cooled and your garlic butter spread ready, it’s time to prepare the bagels for a final bake. Slice each bagel into four quarters, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will allow the garlic butter to seep into the bread, infusing it with flavor without causing the bagel to fall apart.

Dip the cut side of each bagel quarter into the garlic butter spread, making sure it’s well coated but not soggy. You want the bagel to absorb the flavor without becoming too wet, which could cause it to lose its crispness during baking.

Step 4: Final Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven once again to 220°C (430°F). Place the buttered bagels on a baking sheet and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the garlic butter has melted into the bread. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bagels and adjust the baking time as needed to achieve the perfect color and texture.

Once the bagels are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. The final product should have a crisp, golden crust and a soft, chewy interior. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory note that complements the bagel’s natural flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

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Fresh out of the oven, these bagels are a treat for all the senses. The outside is a beautiful, deep golden brown with a shiny, slightly crisp crust. The inside is dense yet soft, with a slight chewiness that gives way to a tender crumb. The garlic butter spread adds a layer of flavor that’s both rich and aromatic, with the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and a hint of sweetness from the honey.

Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making these bagels not just a meal, but an experience to be savored. Whether enjoyed on their own, with a slather of cream cheese, or as part of a sandwich, these homemade bagels are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.