Are you a sourdough baker who wants to use up a leftover starter? This recipe for sourdough discard bagels is perfect for you. It turns your extra starter into tasty, homemade bagels. Plus, it helps cut down on food waste.
In this article, you’ll learn about sourdough discard and why it’s good for the planet. You’ll also get a detailed guide on making sourdough discard bagels at home. Impress your loved ones with this easy bagel recipe that uses your sourdough starter recipe in a delicious way.
What Is Sourdough Discard?
When you care for a sourdough starter, you often have to throw away some of it. This leftover is called sourdough discard. It’s a part of the sourdough starter process, but it doesn’t have to be wasted.
Understanding the Sourdough Starter Process
To maintain a healthy sourdough starter, you must feed it flour and water regularly. This feeding and discarding is key to maintaining the right mix of yeast and bacteria. You can use the discard in many recipes like these tasty sourdough discards bagels.
The Importance of Reducing Food Waste
Using your sourdough discard to make bagels helps reduce food waste. Food waste is a big problem, with 30-40% of food in the U.S. not being eaten. Using your sourdough discard is a simple way to use up ingredients and lessen your environmental footprint.
Remember, sourdough discard is a valuable resource. It can be turned into many delicious baked goods, like these sourdough discard bagels. By understanding the sourdough starter process and the need to reduce food waste, you can enjoy sustainable, tasty baking.
Sourdough Discard Bagels: A Tasty Solution
Turning your sourdough discard into bagels is a smart way to reduce waste. This simple recipe lets you use up your leftover starter, making a tasty, chewy, and flavorful bagel.
Using sourdough discard in bagels is a clever idea. It not only makes your bagels unique but also saves food from going to waste.
Making sourdough discard bagels is easy. Just a few ingredients and some kneading are needed. The sourdough adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the bagel’s chewiness.
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Bagels
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup warm water
These ingredients make a delicious sourdough discard bagel. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Using your sourdough discard here reduces waste and gives you a tasty homemade treat.
“Sourdough discard bagels are a game-changer when it comes to reducing food waste in the kitchen. They’re a delicious and practical way to use up that leftover starter.”
If you want to use up your sourdough, discard it and make something tasty, try this recipe. Your taste buds and the planet will appreciate it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making sourdough discard bagels at home is easy with the right ingredients. Knowing your needs will help you make these tasty bagels in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Bagels
To make sourdough discard bagels, you’ll need a few key things:
- Sourdough discard – This is the extra sourdough starter you remove when feeding your starter. It’s a great way to use up that discard and reduce food waste.
- Bread flour – Bread flour has more protein, which makes the bagels chewy.
- Water – You’ll need water to hydrate the dough and help the bagels get their shape.
- Salt – A little salt adds to the flavor of the bagels.
You can make delicious sourdough discard bagels at home with these bagel-making ingredients.
“Sourdough discard is a valuable ingredient that can be used to create all sorts of delicious baked goods, like these tasty sourdough discard bagels.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Discard Bagels
Ready to dive into the world of sourdough discard bagels? This guide will help you make homemade, tangy bagels quickly. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers.
Mixing the Dough
Mix the sourdough discard, warm water, honey, and salt in a large bowl. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles.
Shaping the Bagels
After rising, divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each into a ball. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center, then stretch it into a bagel shape.
Boiling and Baking
Boil a large pot of water, then add the shaped bagels. Boil for a minute on each side. Next, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with an egg wash and bake until golden brown.
By following these steps, you can make delicious sourdough discard bagels at home. Enjoy your creations and share them with loved ones!
Sourdough Discard Bagels: Tips and Tricks
Making the perfect sourdough discard bagels is an art. With a few insider tips, you can improve your homemade bagels. These tips help you achieve the right texture and flavor for your sourdough discard bagel.
Achieving the Perfect Proof
The proofing process is key for bagel-making tips. Let your shaped bagels proof at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. They should puff up a bit.
For a deeper sourdough, discard the bagel flavor and proof them in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation makes the tangy notes stronger and the crumb more complex.
The Boiling Technique
Boiling your sourdough discard bagels is crucial. Gently lower the dough into simmering water for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. This step makes the crust chewy.
Work in batches to keep the water temperature right. A good boil is essential for an artisan bagel recipe.
Baking to Perfection
After boiling, bake the sourdough and discard bagels until golden. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with an egg wash for a shiny crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This will get the sourdough discard bagel texture and flavor just right.
With these bagel-making tips, you’ll make artisan bagels like a pro. Enjoy the journey and the tasty results of your homemade sourdough discard bagels.
Conclusion
Making sourdough discard bagels is a great way to reduce food waste. It turns leftover sourdough starter into tasty, chewy bagels. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for anyone at home.
Enjoying homemade sourdough discard bagels is a treat. It’s like having a fresh, bakery-style snack right in your kitchen. Plus, it helps you reduce food waste, which is good for the planet.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your sourdough discard and some basic ingredients ready. Bake up a batch of these amazing bagels. Enjoy the smell of fresh bagels and feel good about reducing waste.
FAQs
Yes, sourdough bagels are often easier to digest, have a lower glycemic index, and may support gut health due to the natural fermentation process. However, nutrition varies based on ingredients.
Yes, sourdough discard can be healthy when used in recipes like pancakes or crackers. It contains beneficial bacteria, but make sure it’s fresh and properly stored.
Sourdough bagels are chewy due to gluten development during fermentation and boiling before baking. Over-kneading or resting too long can also make them extra chewy.
Sinking is often due to over-proofing or under-proofing. Ensure your dough rises properly before boiling and avoid overhydration or excessive proofing time.
Easy Sourdough Discard Bagels
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Yield: 8 bagels 1x
Description
Homemade bagels made with sourdough discard boast a delightfully chewy texture.
Ingredients
-
For the Bagels:
- 3 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
-
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
1 Whisk warm water and yeast in a stand mixer bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2 Add sourdough discard, honey, salt, and flour. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3 Let the dough rise for 60-90 minutes, until doubled in size.
4 Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll into balls, and poke holes in the center to form bagels. Let them rise for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
5 Boil water with baking soda and brown sugar. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side.
6 Place bagels on a baking sheet, sprinkle with toppings, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with “Everything Bagel” seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.
- Freeze bagels for up to 6 months for a quick breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Additional Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking