Crafting the Perfect Two-Seed Wholewheat Bagels: A Homemade NYC Classic
Embarking on the journey of homemade bagel making was an exciting adventure, and we’re thrilled to share our success! For our inaugural attempt, we decided to create wholesome, flavorful two-seed wholewheat bagels, generously topped with a delightful mix of poppy seeds and sunflower seeds. Our commitment to quality shone through, as we used only the finest organic ingredients, ensuring every bite was as pure as it was delicious. This wasn’t just about baking; it was about bringing a piece of a beloved culinary tradition right into our kitchen.
As a native New Yorker, bagels are more than just a breakfast item; they are a fundamental part of my identity and a cherished culinary cornerstone. My love for them runs deep, rooted in countless memories from the bustling streets of NYC. For years after moving to Paris, finding an authentic bagel outside the historic Marais district (the vibrant Jewish quarter) was a near-impossible quest. Thankfully, the bagel scene in Paris, and even across other parts of France, has blossomed recently, offering more options. However, for that true, traditional bagel experience, the Marais remains our go-to destination.
Our recent visit to Schwartz’s Delicatessen in the Marais was particularly inspiring. The memory of their perfectly toasted smoked turkey bagel left an indelible mark and sparked an immediate desire to recreate that magic at home. We were so captivated by its flavor and texture that we returned home with a singular goal: to bake our very own batch of two-seed wholewheat bagels. The result was a triumph, a truly satisfying recreation that brought the taste of New York right to our Parisian kitchen.
The Perfect Pairing: Recreating Childhood Honey Mustard Memories
Beyond the bagels themselves, a crucial element of this culinary nostalgia trip was the honey mustard sauce. I fondly recounted to my partner, Hugo, vivid memories of enjoying this classic condiment with my mom during my childhood in NYC. For 14 years since moving to Paris, I had genuinely missed that distinctive flavor – a blend of sweet and tangy that just wasn’t readily available. Inspired by my longing, Hugo took on the challenge and, to my absolute delight, crafted the most authentic and delicious homemade honey mustard imaginable. It was the perfect complement to our freshly baked two-seed wholewheat bagels, completing a meal that was both a taste of home and a testament to our culinary creativity.
The Art of Presentation: Three Ways to Plate Your Bagel
Beyond the delicious taste, the visual appeal of food plays a significant role in the dining experience. As part of our ongoing journey to master food photography, food plating, and food blogging, Hugo decided to have some fun by presenting our bagels in three distinct and creative ways. This exercise allowed us to explore different aesthetic approaches and understand how subtle changes in arrangement can transform a dish. We’ve been diligently learning about the art of food plating, and we invite you to review our progress. Which presentation style captures your eye the most? Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to refine our skills!
Food Plating #1: The Cozy & Quaint Display (above↑)
This plating style evokes a sense of charm and warmth. Our star bagel, sliced and generously filled, takes center stage. Alongside, a cute little Le Creuset mini cocotte holds a portion of perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes, adding a rustic touch. A miniature bottle, filled with a refreshing rosé cidre and adorned with two colorful straws, completes this picturesque setting. The arrangement is simple yet inviting, making it ideal for a relaxed brunch or a cozy meal.
Food Plating #2: Modern & Dynamic Composition
In this dynamic arrangement, the bagel is positioned artfully to the right side of a slightly square plate. A delicate drizzle of our rich homemade honey mustard sweeps elegantly behind the bagel, creating visual depth. To the left, a handful of golden-brown roasted potatoes provides a comforting element. Grated carrots are arranged in the front, offering a vibrant splash of color and texture, complemented by thinly sliced cucumber on the front-left. The final touch is an artful smear of our creamy homemade hummus, adding a gourmet feel. For this photograph, we utilized a clean, homemade white wooden background, which we’ll soon share instructions for on the blog!
Food Plating #3: The Central Star & Radiant Harmony
For this sophisticated presentation, we chose a large, sparkling white round plate, which naturally creates a luminous effect in photos. Our beautiful bagel truly shines as the undeniable star, resting majestically at the plate’s center. It’s elegantly surrounded by an array of delightful accompaniments, each contributing to a harmonious visual composition. Starting from the front center with roasted potatoes, your eye is guided clockwise around the plate: a charming mini-tower of perfectly sliced cucumbers, followed by a playful series of our homemade honey mustard dots, increasing in size to draw attention. A gracefully curved line of finely grated carrots adds color, culminating in an artfully smeared portion of our creamy homemade hummus. This plating demonstrates how careful arrangement can turn a simple meal into an artistic culinary experience.
So, dear friends, after seeing these distinct presentations, which one truly captures your imagination? We are eager to hear your thoughts and preferences in the comments below! Your valuable feedback not only brightens our day but also helps us grow and learn in our food blogging journey. Don’t hesitate to let us know your favorite!
Print Recipe
Two-Seed Wholewheat Bagels with Poppy and Sunflower Seeds
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Author: A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
Indulge in our rustic and incredibly satisfying two-seed wholewheat bagels, generously coated with toasted poppy and sunflower seeds. These bagels are perfect for stuffing to the max with your favorite fillings like savory pastrami, sharp cheddar cheese, crisp red onion, fresh arugula, juicy tomato, and a dollop of our irresistible homemade honey mustard. For a complete and delightful meal, serve them alongside a creamy side of homemade hummus, golden roasted potatoes, refreshing cucumber slices, and sweet grated carrots. A healthy, hearty, and flavorful homemade meal awaits!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups (300g) of organic wholewheat flour
- 1 tsp of active dry yeast
- 6oz of lukewarm water
- ¾ tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp of rich molasses
- 1.5 tsp of fine sea salt
- 1 tsp of poppy seeds (for topping)
- 1 tsp of sunflower seeds (for topping)
- 1 liter of water (for boiling)
- 1 tbsp of molasses (for boiling water)
- 1 tbsp of salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Leaven: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup of wholewheat flour, 1 teaspoon of dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of molasses, and 2oz of lukewarm water. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Let the mixture rest in a warm place for 10-15 minutes. It’s ready when it has formed a bubbly, brownish dough, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Pour the remaining wholewheat flour and 1.5 teaspoons of salt into the bowl of your Kitchen Aid mixer (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand). Mix briefly on low speed to combine.
- Add Leaven: Gently pour the prepared leaven mixture into the flour and salt, continuing to mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: Add the ¾ tablespoon of olive oil to the dough and continue mixing. The oil will contribute to the dough’s texture and elasticity.
- Gradually Add Water: Slowly pour the rest of the lukewarm water into the bowl, adding it little by little as the mixer runs on low speed. This gradual addition helps achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Achieve Smooth Dough: Continue mixing/kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springy. It should be firm but pliable.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dough appears too dry, add a tiny bit more water (½ teaspoon at a time). If it’s too wet and sticky, add a little more flour (½ tablespoon at a time). Always adjust gradually to maintain the ideal consistency.
- First Rise (Proofing): Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rest and rise for at least one hour, or until it has noticeably doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Divide and Shape Dough: Once risen, gently remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a piece of baking paper or a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Form Bagel Shapes: Roll each piece of dough into a 25 cm (approximately 10 inches) cylinder using your hands. Then, bring the two ends of each cylinder together and firmly attach them to form a circular bagel shape. Ensure the seam is well-sealed.
- Prepare Boiling Water: In a large frying pan or wide pot, combine 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of molasses, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. The molasses and salt are crucial for the bagel’s distinctive chewy texture and shiny crust.
- Boil the Bagels: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the bagels to the water, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Boil them for 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 1 minute. For an extra chewy bagel, you can extend the second side’s boiling time to 2 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the boiled bagels from the water and place them on a baking sheet lined with oil-coated baking paper or a silicone baking mat (silpat).
- Add Seeds: Generously sprinkle the tops of the bagels with poppy seeds and sunflower seeds, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade bagels warm! They pair perfectly with a vibrant arugula salad, sliced tomatoes, crisp cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sharp cheddar cheese, savory pastrami, roasted potatoes, creamy hummus, and a generous dollop of our flavorful homemade honey mustard.
- Category: Lunch or Dinner
- Cuisine: American