Poolish Recipes

POOLISH

Steps:

• Put the yeast in a small bowl, add the water, and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. The mixture should bubble on top. If it doesn't and the yeast granules float, the yeast is "dead" and should be discarded. Begin again with a fresh amount of yeast and water.
• Add the flour and stir well with a rubber spatula to combine. The consistency will be quite thick, resembling a thick pancake batter.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let sit at room temperature for 18 hours. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool slightly before using.
• If you are not using the starter right away, you can store it in the refrigerator, though I suggest keeping it for no more than 8 hours. Bring to cool room temperature before using.

WHITE SANDWICH LOAF WITH POOLISH

Steps:

• Make the poolish, cover and leave at room temperature for about 8 hours.
• Add the other ingredients and mix well.
• Knead by hand or dough hook and stand mixer for about 5 minutes on low speed, rest 5 minutes, and knead for 5 more minutes or until it passes the windowpane test (small piece can be stretched without breaking until light shows through).
• Oil a clear container with straight sides (or bowl), place dough and mark level, and let rise until doubled in volume (about an hour depending on temperature).
• Pre-shape into a ball and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 F with a pan on the bottom for steaming.
• Fold the ball gently, tuck in the ends and seal the edge. Roll back and forth briefly until edge is sealed and a log (slightly larger in the center) is formed.
• Place in an oiled loaf pan (9"x 5"), cover with oiled plastic film and let rise until almost doubled in volume (45 min to 1 hour).
• Add 1 cup hot water to steam pan (don't drip on the door glass).
• Score the loaf and place in the center of the oven.
• Reduce oven setting to 375°F.
• After 12 minutes, remove steam pan and rotate the loaf 180 degrees for even cooking.
• Cook for 20 to 30 more minutes until the loaf is 205 F internally.
• Remove from the loaf pan and cool on a rack.
• note: the dough can be placed in the fridge at 40F, covered, to rise overnight. If you do that, remove 2 hours ahead of time to warm up.

POOLISH

Steps:

• In a 1-gallon plastic container, combine the water and yeast and stir until the mixture is milky and foamy and the yeast is fairly dissolved. Stir in the flour until just combined. Cover and leave at room temperature for 5 hours. May be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before using. Bring to room temperature before using.