In a mixing bowl mix together the yeast, sugar and ½ cup warm water. Set aside for 10 minutes, covered in a warm place and allow the yeast mixture to start to bubble.
In a separate mixing bowl add the flour and salt, whisk together until well combined.
Once the yeast has started to bubble add it to the flour along with remaining 1 cup of water.
Stir the ingredients to make your bagel dough. Then, place the dough onto a lightly floured workspace (cutting board, countertop, etc).
Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Once the dough has doubled in size, knock the air out, shape into a log and cut into 8 equal parts.
Shape each piece of dough into balls. Use a chopstick or end of a wooden spoon, make a hole in the center of each ball, stretch it out slightly with your fingers.
Allow the bagels to rest while you bring a large pot of water to the boil with 1 tbsp sugar if using.
Preheat oven to 390 degrees F / 200 C
Boil bagels for 1 min on each side. Remove and repeat with remaining bagels.
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. With a pastry brush, coat each bagel with a thin layer of soy milk and sprinkle with desired topping (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds etc.).
Bake in preheated oven at 390 degrees F / 200 degrees C for 20-25 mins.
When cooked through, remove and allow to cool on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.