The doughy treats, common in German monasteries, evolved into a circular roll with a hole in the middle. Known as an obwarzanek, the bagels emerged as a feast day bread. ... The story goes, a baker in Vienna, Austria, accidentally invented the bagel in the late 17th century .
Why does a bagel have a hole?
Ever wondered why bagels have holes in the middle? The basic shape is hundreds of years old and serves lots of practical advantages besides an even cooking and baking of the dough. The hole also allowed them to be threaded or piled high on a dowel which made them easier to transport and display.
Where were bagels first created?
Although bagels clearly had multi-ethnic origins in Poland , here in the US they came fairly quickly to be associated with Jewish culture. Like blintzes, latkes, pastrami, and rye bread, which came from the Eastern European communities so many Jews lived in, bagels came to be known as primarily Jewish.
Was the bagel invented before the donut?
Bagel Corner is a successful French Bagel restaurant concept. A 16-year-old American seaman by the name of Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the doughnut aboard a lime-trading ship back in 1847. ... The bagel, Yiddish name for ring shaped bread product, came to be in the Jewish communities in Poland in 1610.
When did bagels come out?
Bagels arrived in the United States in the late 19th Century courtesy of Jewish immigrants from Poland. They were sold on the streets of New York’s Lower East Side, stacked up on poles or hung up from strings (which explains the holes,) making it easy for customers to buy and enjoy them on the street.
Who first created bagels?
The story goes, a baker in Vienna, Austria, accidentally invented the bagel in the late 17th century. He made it as a tribute to the King of Poland, Jan Sobieski III , who led forces to save Austria from Turkish invaders.
Why is NYC famous for bagels?
Bagels, however, did not make their way over to New York until the 1800s when many European Jewish immigrants migrated over , taking their bagel recipes with them. As time went on and the immigrants of New York began to assimilate more, bagels became more popular as more people from different cultures came across them.
Why do bagels taste so good?
In fact, New York bagels are superior to other bagels due to two things: The New York water, which is a key ingredient, plus the way the bagels are cooked . ... Hard water toughens gluten, while soft water softens it, making the dough goopier. This produces a more delicious, chewy bagel.
Why do donuts have holes?
Gregory suggested punching a hole in the middle of the fried cakes, so that the insides of the cakes would cook as evenly as the outsides . ... Punching a hole in the middle of the dough, however, allows the insides and the outsides to cook evenly, creating a perfect donut.
Are bagels healthier than bread?
Okay, so yes, bagels are more dense, caloric and potentially less healthy than a piece of bread , but would you stake your happiness on that? Bagels are delicious! Awe inspiring!
Are bagels bad for you?
Of course, none of this means you should be worried about enjoying an occasional bagel. It’s simply important to ensure that you’re also including plenty of nutrient-dense, whole foods in your diet. Bagels tend to be high in calories and refined carbs.
Why are bagels chewy?
The water doesn’t actually penetrate very far into the bread because the starch on the exterior quickly gels and forms a barrier. Bagels are typically boiled for 30-60 seconds on each side. The longer the boil, the thicker and chewier crust . ... This is partly what gives bagels their signature dense, chewy interiors.
Who decided to put cream cheese on a bagel?
The lox and schmear likely originated in New York City and Philadelphia, both sites of significant Polish immigration, around the time of the turn of the 20th century, when street vendors in the cities sold salt-cured belly lox from pushcarts.
How do you eat a bagel?
Spread butter on the inside of a fresh-baked or freshly-reheated bagel. Use a knife to spread a thin layer – about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – of butter evenly on both sides of your bagel, and enjoy your bagel. Spread 2 oz of cream cheese on your bagel for a classic taste.
What makes a bagel different?
Bagels, like pretzels, are boiled first to create a crunchy exterior. Bagels are boiled in water usually 30 to 60 seconds before hitting the oven. ... Since the crust is set from the boiling process, bagels don’t rise as much as other bread once baked in the oven, giving bagels their dense and chewy interior.
Why is pizza better in New York?
Many pizza chefs and New York pizza fans swear that the city water gives special characteristics to its pizza crust . New York-style pizza is defined by a crust that is flavorful, thin, and surprisingly durable. ... The water also has a touch more sodium in New York, though we’re talking particles rather than pinches.
