Poppy Seed and Sesame Seed Bagels

Mix the flour with the yeast. Beat the egg with the salt and oil in a large bowl, then stir in the flour. Heat the milk with the sugar until lukewarm, then stir gradually into the dough. Cover the dough and leave to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size (approx. 45 minutes).

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead thoroughly. Form it into a roll and cut into about 12 equal slices. Roll out each piece into a strip approx. 15 cm long and 4 cm thick. Press the ends of each strip firmly together to form rings. Cover and leave to rise for another 15 minutes approx.

Place a heatproof bowl of water in the oven and heat the oven to 200°C (180°C in a fan oven), 400°F, gas 6.

Using a slotted spoon, place the dough rings for approx. 1 minute each into the boiling water. Then take out, drain and place on a greased baking tray. Brush with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds.