Learn how to make Foochow style bagel the easy way but so delicious. This is our new favorite way of eating bagel or bread. Can be baked in the oven or air-fryer
2cupsuntoasted white sesame seedsor more as needed
Instructions
Make the dough:
Place all ingredients, except for water, in a large mixing bowl or bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually add in water. You may need to add more than what the recipe calls for to get a dough that doesn't fall apart. Continue to knead for about 5 minutes. You may need to reposition the dough halfway and continue to knead for another 3 minutes until the dough is really smooth and stretchy
Proof the dough:
Transfer the dough to a large bowl coated with a bit of oil. Cover with a wrap and let the dough rests for 1 hour. I used the bread proof function in my oven. The dough will not rise much because we use very little yeast, but just slightly puffy
Shape:
Preheat oven at 425 F or air-fryer at 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After resting the dough for 1 hour, roll the dough into a long log and cut into about 8-9 pieces. Keep them covered and work with one dough at a time. Use your palm to flatten the dough into a disc, about 1/4-inch thick and about 4-5 inch in diameter. Use a chopstick to make a hole in the middle of the dough. It helps to dip the chopstick in flour first to prevent sticking
Spray the shaped dough with water and then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently press the seeds on the dough
Bake:
Bake the bagel in a preheated oven or air-fryer for about 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. About 5 minutes into baking, spray the kompia with more water and continue to bake. Baking time might be shorter with an air-fryer, depending on your air-fryer. Remove from the oven and let them cool down completely on a cooling rack
Store:
Once the bagels have cooled down completely, you can store them in a container or resealable bag or bread box for about 2-3 days. Anything longer they may get harder and stale. For longer storage, freeze them by placing them on a baking sheet and pop in the freezer for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer
Reheat:
Oven, toaster oven, air fryer: Preheat at 350 F and then bake for about 5 minutes or longer if you want it crispier. For frozen bagel, you may need to add 3-5 minutes extra to baking time