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Have you ever wondered why bread dough needs to be kneaded until it’s elastic? The answer is simple: well-kneaded dough has a strong structure, is less likely to tear, and is easy to shape. In this article, we will discuss what elastic dough is and tips to achieve it.
What Is Elastic Dough?
Elastic dough is dough where all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and the gluten has developed perfectly. This can be identified by the dough being smooth, not sticky to the touch, and flexible, stretching like rubber when pulled. Dough with these characteristics will rise well during proofing and produce bread with a soft and well-textured crumb.
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Why Does Dough Need to Be Elastic?
When flour and water are mixed, the gluten in the flour develops and forms a strong network. This gluten makes the dough elastic and able to stretch.
If the dough is elastic, the gluten network will be able to trap gases during the proofing process. As a result, the dough will rise without tearing and create an even pore structure in the bread. Additionally, the resulting bread will have a smooth surface and a tender texture.
On the other hand, if the dough is not kneaded until elastic, the bread will not rise properly. The dough will also be prone to tearing, making rounding or shaping difficult. Furthermore, the bread will have a dense or heavy texture due to the lack of air pockets inside.
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Tips for Achieving Elastic Dough
To achieve elastic dough, you need to knead it correctly. If you are using your hands, use the push and fold technique. If using a mixer, start with a low to medium speed to combine the ingredients. Then, gradually increase the speed.
Most importantly, use high-gluten flour (high-protein flour). One recommended type is Kantil flour from PT Manunggal Perkasa. This flour has a gluten content of 35 to 37 percent, allowing the dough to reach perfect elasticity without needing to knead for too long.
In addition to Kantil, PT Manunggal Perkasa also offers many other products to meet your cooking needs, from cake baking like sponge cakes and donuts to noodles and various fried foods.
(syo/csb)