Bagels are one of the most convenient, popular and versatile breakfast foods available. Whether smeared with cream cheese and lox or filled with cheese and meat, they are a true breakfast staple. You can find bagels in bakeries, in packages at the grocery store and in cafes worldwide.
History
The history of bagels is uncertain, although descriptions of similarly shaped rolls trace back to Poland in 1683 when a baker created a stirrup-shaped roll to commemorate the Polish king. However, descriptions of rolls with holes in them date back to 1610, when people gave them to new mothers as a symbol of the circle of life. History also credits the hole to 17th century vendors, who strung bagels on poles and sold them in markets. Eastern European immigrants introduced bagels to the United States in the 19th century. The mainstream population discovered them in the 1970s, and since then have become a popular breakfast food available in countless varieties.
Making Bagels
Bagels require only a few basic ingredients, including yeast, flour, water, salt and honey or barley malt syrup. The key to perfection, says bagel expert Peter Reinhard in an LA Times article, is a long fermentation period. Bagels rise twice during the baking process; once after kneading the dough and again after shaping and briefly boiling in water. Boiling bagels helps them achieve a firm, shiny crust. Bakeries rarely make bagels by hand today, but you can make them at home with no special equipment.
Nutrition
Bagels are a high-carbohydrate, nutritious food. According to the USDA Nutritional Database, one plain, medium-sized bagel contains 250 to 300 calories, 11 g of protein, 56 g of carbohydrates, and 2 to 4 g of fiber. Bagels can also be a good source of calcium. Look for bagels made with calcium-enriched flour for increased calcium amounts. The exact nutrition of a bagel varies depending on the type of four used, the exact size of the bagel and any additions such as fruit, seeds or egg.
Flavors
Whatever your taste preferences, there is almost certainly a bagel type to suit you. Bagels can be simply plain or made with whole-wheat flour for added fiber and protein. They can contain onion, blueberries or cinnamon and raisins. Bagels toppings often include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, kosher salt or garlic. You can also find specialties such as cheese bagels, jalapeno bagels, chocolate bagels and pumpernickel bagels. Many bagel shops have their own special flavors.
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