Make a batch of 9 homemade New York-style Banana Nut Bagels from scratch! They're chewy, delicious, and can be made with pecans or walnuts!
Stir yeast, sugar, and warm water (110°F) together in mixing bowl or in the bowl of an electric mixer (like a KitchenAid). If water is too hot, it can kill yeast, so use a kitchen thermometer if you have one Let it sit for 5 minutes. Yeast should bubble, ensuring the yeast is "good" to use to help the dough rise.
In separate bowl, mash 2 bananas. After the yeast mixture has rested, add the bananas and cinnamon. Mix on Low speed until bananas/cinnamon have been incorporated. NOTE: You can mix this by hand, if you prefer.
In another bowl, mix flour with salt, then slowly add, a little at a time, to the mixer bowl. Continue adding SLOWLY, mixing on Low until all flour/salt has been added and thick dough has formed. Half way through mixing, add chopped nuts; mix them into the dough. Dough should end up being smooth and very elastic in texture. NOTE: If necessary, you may need to add a bit more flour (a little at a time) to achieve this texture. You do NOT want dough to be sticky when touched, however be careful not to add too much flour or dough will become really dry and "floury".
Shape dough into a ball; put it in lightly-oiled (or sprayed) large bowl. Turn dough over so some oil (or spray) gets on all sides. Cover bowl with dish towel; let dough rise in warm place for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, dough should be almost doubled in size. Punch dough down a couple times with your fist to remove excess air. Let dough rest 10 minutes, then evenly divide into 9 dough balls. Shape each into a round ball, then take one into your hands. Use your fingers to make a hole in the middle of the bagel, then gently stretch/shape hole until bagel has a round hole (like a doughnut) in the middle. Repeat with all dough balls, placing shaped bagels on a large baking sheet. Cover bagels with a dish towel; let them rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Bring a large saucepan (or Dutch oven) of water to a boil, then lower temp. to a gentle simmer. Place 2-3 bagels at a time into simmering water. Let cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then flip them over to the other side. Cook second side for 1 minute. Carefully remove boiled bagels with slotted spoon (to drain water); transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat until all bagels have been boiled.
Place bagels in a single layer on large baking sheet leaving space between each one. Bake at 425°F. for 18-20 minutes. When done, bagels should be nicely browned on top, and firm to the touch. Remove from oven; place on a wire rack to cool. Serve and enjoy!
NOTE: Caloric calculation made using walnuts.
Banana Nut Bagels https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/banana-nut-bagels/