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two hands gently pressing the dough away from the body.
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How to Knead Dough

Knead any dough easily and with less frustration with this simple method.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe any dough, mixed per the recipe instructions
  • 1/3 cup flour whatever you used in your dough, see note 1

Instructions

  • Lightly flour your surface with 1 tablespoon of flour. I used 1/3 cup total for the entire process.
  • Get your dough that you've mixed according to your recipe.
  • Do not squish your dough between your fingers like a toddler with slime. You'll have it all over you.Use a cupped hand with closed fingers to scrape the dough out of the bowl using your fingertips.
  • Dust dough with a sprinkle of flour. I used less than a teaspoon to start. Use the heel of your hands to press away LIGHTLY on the dough, about 1/4 of the way through its thickness. Don't smash it to the table.
  • Do a quarter turn, or just rotate it a bit. It's not a big deal. 
  • Fold the top of the dough over the bottom. Use your hands to push it away again. Don't smash the dough too hard or it will stick heavily to your hands. Lightly dust the board and your hands with flour as needed but don't overdo it.
  • Knead until you reach window pane, about 10 minutes or so by hand. Your dough will be smoother after kneading.

Notes

Note 1: It's almost impossible for me to give an exact amount you may need because the moisture levels vary so much from recipe to recipe. Please just be diligent not to dump piles on yours. Dust just enough to reduce sticking.