Recipe for Homemade Tea-Infused Bagels

These tea-infused bagels are soft, chewy, and uniquely flavored with the subtle essence of tea. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this recipe combines the classic texture of a bagel with a twist of aromatic tea. Here's how to prepare them step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups (400g) bread flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (infused with tea)
• 2 tbsp tea leaves or 2 tea bags (your choice of tea)
• 1 tbsp honey (for the water bath)

Optional Toppings:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Coarse salt

Preparation Method

1. Preparing Tea-Infused Water:

1. Steep 2 tbsp of tea leaves or 2 tea bags in 1 cup (240ml) of hot water for 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags or strain the tea leaves and let the tea water cool until it’s warm to the touch.

2. Making the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, mix the tea-infused warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer, until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Shaping the Bagels:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Stretch the hole gently to form a bagel shape.
3. Place the shaped bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover with a cloth, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.

4. Boiling the Bagels:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add 1 tbsp of honey to the water.
2. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time, and boil for 1 minute on each side.
3. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the lined baking tray.

5. Baking the Bagels:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Optionally sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds on the boiled bagels.
3. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.

6. Cooling and Serving:

1. Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
2. Slice and serve them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread.

Tips for Perfect Bagels

• Tea Selection: Choose a bold-flavored tea (like Earl Grey, chai, or matcha) to enhance the taste.
• Storage: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
• Chewiness: Boiling the bagels is essential for their classic chewy texture.

Edit This Article