Bake The Perfect Bread for Tortas at Home

How to Bake Artisan Bolos at Home

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment

• Obtain high-protein all-purpose flour with a protein content between 11-12%.
• Use a digital scale for accurate measurements of flour (aim for 420g for this recipe).
• Have lukewarm water, active dry yeast or instant yeast, and kosher salt ready.
• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Measure 420g of flour using a digital scale.
2. Add 140g of lukewarm water to the flour.
3. Incorporate 2 and a 1/4 teaspoons of yeast and a pinch of kosher salt.
4. Knead the mixture in a stand mixer for 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Ferment the Dough

1. Place the dough in a bowl greased with oil.
2. Cover the bowl and let the dough ferment at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 hours for enhanced flavor development.

Step 4: Shape the Bolos

1. Deflate the fermented dough and divide it into four equal portions.
2. Shape each portion by folding the dough from the sides and sealing it.
3. Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 5: Final Shaping and Scoring

1. Shape each piece of dough into a bolo by creating surface tension and forming a point at the ends.
2. Use a razor blade or a sharp knife to make a quarter-inch deep cut on top of each bolo to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 6: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spray water over the bolos and place them on a baking pan.
3. Cover the pan with an aluminum pan and let the bolos rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Bake the bolos for 8-9 minutes until they are fully cooked and have a beautiful crust.
5. Check the internal temperature of the bolos (around 200°F or 93°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Artisan Bolos

• Once baked, let the bolos cool before slicing and serving.
• Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of your freshly baked bolos!

By following these steps, you can bake your own delicious Artisan Bolos at home, perfect for enjoying with your favorite fillings or as a side to your meals.