How long to proof sourdough in the fridge?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “How long to proof sourdough in the fridge?” and the benefits of proofing in the fridge as well as other methods to proof sourdough.
How long to proof sourdough in the fridge?
To proof the sourdough, it has to be kept in the fridge for 12-15 hours after covering it with a lid. You can also place the sourdough at room temperature for 3-5 hours to proof it too.
If you wish to proof faster, you can use a proof maker for the sourdough. Using an oven or a warm cooler can also help. The time required to proof the sourdough will largely depend on the proofing temperature as well as the yeast strain.
How can you detect whether the sourdough has been proofed properly?
To detect whether the sourdough has been proofed properly, you would have to touch the dough and see. Touch the dough with your thumb. If the dough sinks completely, it has been proofed properly. If it does not sink properly, then it needs to be proofed for a longer time.
Another technique to detect a proofed dough would be to observe its size. The size of the proofed dough would be 30-40 percent bigger than its original size before proofing.
Can you proof sourdough in the fridge?
Proofing the sourdough in the fridge is a more preferable method especially for beginners. Keeping the sourdough in the fridge rarely causes over-proofing unless you forgot that you have kept the sourdough in the fridge and it remains for days in it.
Also, you can proof your sourdough in the fridge at any season. There is no need to adjust the time of proofing depending on the seasonal variations. Proofing can improve the flavor of the dough and increase the flavor.
Follow the following steps to proof your sourdough using the fridge:
- Shape the loaf before placing it in the fridge. After shaping the loaf, place them in an airtight container or sealed bowl. You can also wrap a wet towel around the dough before keeping them in the fridge.
- Leave the bowl in the refrigerator for 10-24 hours.
What are the benefits of proofing in the fridge?
- If you are proofing the sourdough in the fridge, you do not need to check up on it every now and then. You can place the sourdough overnight and check the next day.
- You can refrigerate ahead of time and then plan to bake whenever you want. This helps you in planning ahead of occasions or events.
- If you do not have experience handling sourdough, then the refrigerator method is ideal for you. You also do not need to use the poke test to determine whether the dough has been proofed.
You just need to check how long you have kept the sourdough in the fridge. You need to keep the sourdough in the fridge for 10-24 hours.
- Cold dough eases the process of baking. It is much more solid and better to slash. You can also fit them into hot pots or vessels.
How to proof the bread in the oven?
You need not need to turn the oven on for this method. Just follow the following steps:
- Use an oven-safe dish and fill it with hot boiling water.
- You can place the dough on the top or the middle rack of the oven. Close the oven door.
- The boiling water can help in heating up the dough faster. If the sourdough needs to be proofed for a long time, you would need to replace the water every 30-40 minutes.
How to proof sourdough at room temperature?
You can proof sourdough at room temperature by placing the dough in a glass bowl. You can also use a proofing basket for this technique.
Cover the glass bowl with a wet cloth. You can also use a cling wrap instead of a damp cloth. If your dough is extremely sticky, rub slight oil onto the dough and keep it back into the bowl.
You can use a marker to mark the original size of the dough. Come back and check later on the dough to see whether the size has doubled and exceeded the previously marked size.
Can you proof sourdough using a proofing box?
A proofing box can help proof the sourdough quicker than the room temperature method. It will help in maintaining proper humidity and temperature.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “How long to proof sourdough in the fridge?” and the benefits of proofing in the fridge as well as other methods to proof sourdough.
