How to Knead Dough
Intimidated by baking bread? It's easier than you might think, and there's nothing better than homemade bread. The key to an even and beautiful loaf is proper kneading: Associate food editor Ben Mims shows us the best foolproof kneading technique for easily making gorgeous loaves at home.
What you'll need
• Flour, yeast, salt and water• A large bowl
• A cutting board or other work surface
• Flour for dusting
How it works
First, combine ingredients according to the recipe. Mix until a dough forms and let sit for 20 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Press the dough in the center with the heel of your hand, folding the top edge over with the other hand, turning the dough as you go.Related
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This is a great way to knead dough without a machine, but one thing that you can do ahead to really have fun and don't end up all tired is to let stand the flour with the water for about 90 minutes.
By doing this you let the flour (gluten & starch) to absorb water, so when you start kneading it will be easier to develop the gluten structure; this technique is called "autolisys" and was developed by the french baker Professor Raymond Calvel to avoid excessive oxidation of the dough and a less amount of energy use.
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