Recipe: Bialys

Makes 6.

Note: This recipe is adapted from those in "The Bread Bible" by Rose Levy Berenbaum, "Bread Illustrated" by America's Test Kitchen, and joepastry.com. Recipe may be doubled.

• 2 c. bread flour, plus 1 tbsp. if necessary, and extra for rolling dough

• 1 tsp. instant yeast

• 1 1/2 tsp. salt

• 3/4 c. water plus 2 tbsp.

• Oil or cooking spray

• 2 tsp. canola oil

• 3/4 c. finely chopped yellow onion

• 1 tsp. poppy seeds

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 c. flour for shaping indentation

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour and yeast, then add salt. With mixer on low, slowly add water, mixing for about 1 minute. Raise the speed to medium (4 on a KitchenAid) and continue mixing for 7 minutes. The dough should clean the sides of the bowl, but still be soft and elastic. If it sticks to the sides, add additional tablespoon of flour. (By hand, work the dough in the bowl with wet hands, scooping and stretching for about 10 minutes until smooth and springy.)

Scrape dough into a bowl lightly coated with oil or cooking spray. Flip so that all surfaces are oiled, then cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and oil or spray with cooking spray.

Scrape risen dough onto a well-floured counter and cut into 6 equal pieces. Using well-floured hands, shape each piece into a ball by forming it over your middle finger and pulling dough down and around, pinching closed at the bottom, forming a smooth top. Place on baking sheet, flour the tops, then cover with plastic wrap and a clean dish towel. Let rise for about 1 hour, or until slightly puffy.

In the meantime, heat oil in saucepan, then add onions, sautéing about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Off heat, stir in poppy seeds and salt. Set aside.

Place 1/4 cup flour on a small plate. Spray or oil the bottom of a 1/2 cup measuring cup, then dip in flour. Press cup firmly into the center of each dough round until the cup touches the sheet to make an indentation. Repeat, re-flouring the cup each time. Use your fingers to even out the indentation, then use scissors to snip several notches in the bottom. (This helps keep the bialy flat while baking.)

Divide the onion mixture evenly among the bialys, smoothing with the back of a spoon.

Bake until pale brown and mottled with darker brown spots, about 12-15 minutes. Serve warm.

Bialys may be reheated, wrapped in foil, in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition information per bialy:

Carbohydrates37 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars1 mg

Protein6 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber2 g

Exchanges per serving: 2½ starch.