Kneading

Why Kneading Is Crucial for Sinless Sourdough Success

Kneading is a vital step when making Sinless Sourdough low-carb bread, as it builds the dough’s structure and stretch. This stage is used for Fiber Flora and Lifestyle Lina recipes but not for Discard Diva recipes. Low-carb sourdough needs more thorough kneading than regular bread to reach the right texture. A stand mixer provides the consistent kneading needed to make the dough smooth and properly structured.

Why Hand Kneading Won’t Work

Hand kneading is not recommended for low-carb dough because:

• It requires at least 15 minutes of hard work
• The dough may not be kneaded enough, causing it to break during shaping
• Poor kneading leads to reduced oven spring

Stand Mixer Kneading Process

Fiber Flora Recipes (6-8 minutes kneading)

• These recipes contain more fibre and require more thorough gluten development
• Start your KitchenAid on low speed for 1 minute
• Increase to speed #3 for 1 minute
• Move to speed #4 for 4-6 more minutes
• After about 6 minutes, check the dough by removing it and shaping into a ball
• Gently stretch the top of the ball over itself
• If the top cracks, return to the mixer for another 2 minutes
• The dough is ready when you can stretch the top without cracks
• Total kneading time should be 6-8 minutes on speed #4

Lifestyle Lina Recipes (4-5 minutes kneading)

• These recipes have less fibre content and come together more quickly
• Start your KitchenAid on low speed for 1 minute
• Increase to speed #3 for 1 minute
• Move to speed #4 for just 2-3 more minutes
• Total kneading time should be 4-5 minutes on speed #4
• The dough will become smooth and cohesive more quickly

Choosing the Right Dough Hook

For Whole Wheat, Heritage Grain, or Sprouted Dough:

• Only Fiber Flora recipes use this type of dough
• Use the J-shaped dough hook
• Its curved design properly folds and stretches the dough
• Helps overcome the challenges of bran in whole wheat and reduced gluten in low-carb dough
• Avoid spiral hooks or flat beaters which can tear the dough

For White Flour Dough:

• Both Fiber Flora and Lifestyle Lina can use this type of dough
• You can use the J-shaped hook or flat paddle attachment
• White flour creates more forgiving dough
• If using the flat paddle, you’ll need to stop the machine during the kneading process to remove the dough from the paddle so that it can work all of the dough

Your Finished Dough Should Be:

• Holding its shape well
• Slightly tacky but not sticky
• Smooth-looking
• Firm with some bounce