Yeast Dough

Yeast Dough Recipe from Estonia with Milk, Butter and Flour

Region / culture: Estonia | Preparation time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Yeast dough is a versatile and essential recipe in the world of baking. It is the base for many delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. The process of making yeast dough involves activating the yeast to create a light and airy texture in the final product.

History

Yeast has been used in baking for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt. The process of fermenting dough with yeast allows it to rise and develop a fluffy texture. Yeast dough has been a staple in many cultures around the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of milk
5 tbsp of unsalted butter
1 package of active dry yeast
1 and 0.5 tbsp of sugar
1 large egg plus 2 large egg yolks (well beaten)
0.25 cup of lukewarm water
0.75 tsp of salt
4 cups of all-purpose flour

How to prepare

1. Combine the milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to lukewarm.
3. In a bowl, stir together the yeast, sugar, and water. Let it sit until it becomes foamy, for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the milk mixture, beaten eggs, and salt to this and mix well with a wooden spoon.
5. Stir in 3 and 0.5 cups of the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, adding as much of the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking.
7. Place the dough in a buttered bowl and coat it with butter.
8. Cover with a cotton kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, for about 1-2 hours.
9. Punch the dough down and knead for a short time before using.
10. Makes enough dough for the desired serving size.

Variations

Add herbs or spices to the dough for a savory twist.
Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Add dried fruits or nuts for a sweet and crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before adding it to the yeast mixture to activate the yeast properly.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop the gluten and create a light texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to double in size before shaping and baking.

Serving Suggestions

Yeast dough can be used to make a variety of dishes, including bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, and pizza crust.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading: Develop the gluten in the dough by kneading it until smooth and elastic.

- Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size before shaping and baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Yeast dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Shape the yeast dough into rolls, braids, or twists for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Yeast dough pairs well with soups, stews, and salads for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover yeast dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of yeast dough contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of yeast dough contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of yeast dough contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of yeast dough contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Yeast dough is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Yeast dough contains gluten and dairy allergens.

Summary

Yeast dough is a moderate source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a filling and satisfying option for a variety of dishes.

Summary

Yeast dough is a versatile and essential recipe that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious dishes. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can make fluffy and light breads, pastries, and desserts that will impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Yeast Dough. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly through the kitchen window, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. I was just a young girl at the time, watching my own grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen, as she effortlessly kneaded and shaped the dough into perfect loaves.

I remember asking her how she learned to make such delicious bread, and she smiled as she told me the story of how she acquired the recipe for Yeast Dough. It all started many years ago, when she was just a newlywed, eager to impress her husband with her cooking skills.

One day, while visiting a local bakery, she struck up a conversation with the baker, a kindly old man who had been baking bread for as long as he could remember. Intrigued by her enthusiasm, he offered to teach her his secret recipe for Yeast Dough.

Over the next few weeks, my grandmother spent countless hours in the bakery, learning the art of bread making from the master himself. She watched as he measured out each ingredient with precision, kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, and patiently waited for it to rise before shaping it into loaves.

As she listened to his stories and watched his skilled hands at work, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge he was sharing with her. She knew that this recipe was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of culinary history, passed down from generation to generation.

After weeks of practice and experimentation, my grandmother finally mastered the art of making Yeast Dough. Her loaves were light and airy, with a perfect golden crust and a soft, chewy crumb. Her husband was delighted with her newfound skill, and soon word spread throughout the neighborhood about her delicious bread.

Years passed, and my grandmother continued to hone her craft, adding her own personal touch to the recipe for Yeast Dough. She experimented with different types of flour, adjusted the amount of yeast and sugar, and even added a secret ingredient or two to make the bread uniquely her own.

As her reputation as a talented baker grew, so did her collection of recipes. She gathered tips and tricks from friends and family, borrowed cookbooks from the library, and attended cooking classes whenever she could. But no matter how many new recipes she tried, the Yeast Dough recipe remained her favorite, a constant reminder of the humble beginnings of her culinary journey.

To this day, whenever I make Yeast Dough in my own kitchen, I think of my grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me. I can still hear her voice, guiding me through each step of the process, encouraging me to trust my instincts and pay attention to the little details that make all the difference in baking.

As I shape the dough into loaves and place them in the oven to bake, I feel a sense of connection to the past and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with my own two hands. And when I pull the freshly baked bread from the oven and inhale its warm, yeasty aroma, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that stretches back through generations of women in my family.

So, as I continue to bake and share the recipe for Yeast Dough with my own loved ones, I do it with a heart full of gratitude for the lessons learned from my grandmother and a sense of pride in carrying on a legacy of love, food, and togetherness. And with each bite of warm, freshly baked bread, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.