Sweet Yerushalmi Bagels

Styling by Anat Label
Photography by Antoli Micalo

This is a different type of bagel with a sweet coating and honey syrup. It’s delicious as is, warm and fragrant, or smeared with butter and jam.

YIELDS 6 BAGELS

• 3½ cups + 2 Tbsp sifted white flour, divided
• ⅓ cup lukewarm water
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 1 level Tbsp dry yeast
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 tsp salt

Topping

• ½ cup sesame seeds
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 3 Tbsp water

Honey Syrup

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 heaping Tbsp honey
• cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

To prepare the honey syrup, heat water, sugar, honey, and cinnamon stick, if desired, in a small saucepan over low heat, until the sugar and honey dissolve and the syrup comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and mix well. Cool well before using. Syrup can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for future use.

To proof the yeast, mix 1 cup flour, the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a container with a lid. Close the lid and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes, until the mixture rises significantly.