I like challenges! One of them is shifting my technical skills in baking. I always wanted to maximize the hydration level of my breads, so this time I chose water and flour 1:1, so 100% hydration. The matching recipe, the Catalonian Pan de Cristal, is incredibly tasty, bakes up well and stays fresh for an incredibly long time.

Sourdough / Naturally LeavenedHigh-Hydration SourdoughINTERMEDIATE
Total weight
2249g
Yield
10units
Unit weight
225g
Hydration
100%
0

Ingredients

Stiff Starter

205g
All Purpose Flour
100%120g
Water
62.5%75g
Sourdough
8.3%10g
3 ingredientsFlour basis: 120g

Main Dough

2249g
Pizza Flour
100%1000g
Water
5°C100%1000g
20.5%205g
Salt
2.4%24g
Olive Oil
2%20g
5 ingredientsFlour basis: 1000g

Process

1

Levain Preparation

Combine flour, water, and starter. Mix thoroughly and allow to ferment at room temperature overnight.

2

Initial Mixing

10 minutes

Add the flour, initial portion of cold water (700g), and the stiff starter to a mixer. Mix on low speed for approximately 10 minutes until the dough is combined and gluten development begins.

3

Bassinage (Water Incorporation)

20 minutes

Increase the mixer speed to the highest level. Gradually add the remaining water in small portions every 1–2 minutes, ensuring each addition is fully absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20 minutes.

4

Final Mixing

2 minutes

Add the salt and olive oil. Continue mixing at maximum speed for an additional 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and fully developed.

5

Initial Folding and Container Transfer

Transfer the dough to a clean countertop. Perform a series of coil folds to build structure. Place the dough into a greased plastic container and cover with a lid.

6

Bulk Fermentation and Folding

2 hours

Over the next 2 hours, perform coil folds every 30 minutes. Following the folds, allow the dough to continue fermenting until it has doubled in volume. Alternatively, cold proof in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.

7

Dividing and Shaping

Gently dump the dough onto a floured surface. Using a dough scraper, divide the dough into portions of your desired size. Transfer the portions onto parchment paper.

8

Baking

Baking Phases
250°C
15-25 minutes
Baking

Use baking steel/stone; rotate rolls if using

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