Spelt Bagels

Plus my 'everything' seasoning and quick honey pickled onions recipes.

Happy Monday!

Is there anything better than a bagel? Loaded with toppings or simply spread with butter or cream cheese, bagels always deliver. This recipe is my take on a classic—made with spelt flour and topped with a generous coating of delicious ‘everything’ seasoning.

Despite doing an apprenticeship that literally involved baking eight hours a day, five days a week, bagels were the one thing I never really got into making at home—I just couldn’t be bothered with all the steps. That is, until recently, when I realised how surprisingly easy they actually are.

This bagel recipe includes two options: one that uses a stand mixer with a hook attachment, and one that uses only your hands to knead the dough. I’ve also included a make-ahead option—do most of the prep the night before, then simply take them out of the fridge in the morning and finish off the last steps.

You’ve likely seen spelt flour in several of my recipes. Traditionally, ancient grains like spelt are known for being easier to digest and packed with more nutrients compared to regular wheat. It’s also higher in fibre, which makes it a great choice if you find wheat a bit tough on your stomach. I tend to find that spelt gives baked goods, like these bagels, a slightly more dense texture. If you prefer a more traditional, lighter bagel, feel free to swap in half or all regular flour instead of the spelt. I love this organic spelt flour from Woolworths.

My favorite way to enjoy these bagels is with a combination of any of the following toppings: cream cheese, capers, avocado, dill, quick honey pickled onions, medium-boiled eggs (a must!) and smoked salmon. Bonus points for finishing it off with a drizzle of good olive oil.

Note: my new paid Substack subscription includes four exclusive recipes each month, including this spelt bagel recipe. Monthly wrap-ups, guides, and lists will still be available in the free version.