I recommend using a stand mixer for this recipe as it is a stiff dough and can easily be kneaded in a stand mixer.Add sourdough starter (discard), water, flour, sugar, yeast (if using) and salt to the bowl of your stand mixer and bring together to form a shaggy dough (you can use the paddle for this part).If using a Thermomix, just knead the ingredients for 30 seconds til it forms a shaggy dough.
Allow the dough to rest for around 15 minutes.
Knead the dough (you'll need to use a dough hook for stand mixers) for around 10 minutes until it is smooth and supple. This is a stiff dough (much like sandwich bread dough) so it won't be super elastic, however it should be smooth and not sticky. Remember to give the stand mixer a break every few minutes.If using a Thermomix, knead the dough for up to 4 minutes.
Once the dough is sufficiently kneaded, you'll need to allow it to rise or ferment.You want the dough to double and be puffy and soft.
Once the dough has risen, you'll need to shape the bagels. It's quite simple, you just need a little patience.Divide the dough into 12 pieces weighing 80g each. Shape each piece of dough into a small ball.
Take each ball and poke a hole in the middle. Gently stretch the hole out and then place each bagel on a sheet of baking paper to rise.
Cover the bagels with a dish cloth and allow them become lovely and puffy.
While they are puffing up, bring a pot of water with 40g of honey added to the boil and preheat your oven to 200C/392F.
When the water is boiling, carefully place 3-4 bagels into the boiling water at a time. You want to boil them for around 30 seconds each. They should float to the surface and that's when you know to take them out.If you prefer really chewy bagels, boil them for up to 2 minutes each.
Carefully remove the bagels from the boiling water using a slotted spoon.If you want to add seeds or seasonings, dip the wet bagel into the seeds/seasonings before placing on a baking tray.You can leave them plain if you wish. I like to do a mix of seeded and plain.
Bake the bagels for around 20 - 25 minutes at 200C/392F. Remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
Allow them to cool before you enjoy them!