If there's one special food that represents Jerusalem, it's the Jerusalem Beigal’e. This tasty bread is very different from the American bagel you might know. The Jerusalem Beigal’e has a crunchy sesame seed coating on the outside, but the inside is soft and fluffy. It's a treat that's impossible to resist! The traditional way to enjoy this Jerusalem favorite is through a ritual that's been done for a very long time. You get a simple piece of paper with a mixture of zaatar (a Middle Eastern spice blend) and salt. With each bite of the bagel, you dip it into this flavorful mixture. The combination of flavors is heavenly. For my version of this beloved recipe, I made a couple changes to make it even tastier and healthier. Instead of just using plain water, I added sauerkraut juice to the dough, giving it a nice tangy flavor and nutritional value. I also made the dipping mixture better by mixing zaatar into extra virgin olive oil, making it extra savory and delicious.

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup sauerkraut liquid, strained

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/4 cup olive oil

3 1/2 cups white flour

1 teaspoon salt

+Extra flour for dusting

+sesame seeds (unroasted)

Zaatar Dip

Mix 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil with a tablespoon zaatar spice mix and a pinch of salt.

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to activate for 10 minutes. Then add strained sauerkraut liquid, pure maple syrup, and olive oil. Mix well. Add the flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 1/2 hours.

Prepare two wide bowls, one filled with water and the other with sesame seeds. Dust your working surface with flour. Take a portion of the sticky dough and roll it into a log. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle some more flour on it. Shape the dough into thin bagel-like rings. Dip each bagel in the water, then coat it with sesame seeds on both sides. Place the coated bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool before serving. Meanwhile, prepare the zaatar dip by mixing extra virgin olive oil with zaatar spice mix and a pinch of salt.

Serve the bagels with the zaatar dip.

Store the bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature or freeze them. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Notes:
For those seeking a more traditional approach, regular water can easily substitute the sauerkraut liquid in this recipe. However, I opt for the sauerkraut liquid for a specific reason—it adds an extra dimension of beneficial bacteria to the mix, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.

The sauerkraut liquid in my Jerusalem Beigal’e recipe can offer several health benefits:

Probiotics: Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, and its liquid contains beneficial bacteria, including strains of Lactobacillus bacteria. These probiotics can support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, which may aid in digestion and boost the immune system.
Digestive Health: The probiotics found in sauerkraut liquid can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for proper digestion. This can potentially alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut flora balance facilitated by probiotics can enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring that your body efficiently absorbs the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the foods you eat, including those in your bread recipe.
Reduced Inflammation: Some research suggests that consuming probiotics, such as those found in sauerkraut liquid, may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Immune Support: The probiotics in sauerkraut liquid can also contribute to a stronger immune system by enhancing the body's natural defenses against pathogens. This can potentially reduce the risk of infections and support overall immune function.

Jerusalem Beigal'e