Making large batches of dough Pizza Discuss Making large batches of dough in the Brick Oven Cooking forums; ok - so I don't have a large enough bowl to hold 10kg of dough. So my question is, can ...

[Mitchamus]

ok - so I don't have a large enough bowl to hold 10kg of dough.

So my question is, can you make it just on the bench?
It should be fairly easy to mix & knead on the bench, but for proofing, does the dough need to be contained (i.e. in a bowl) for it to proof properly?

Obviously - I could make 5x2kg batches of dough - in 5 smaller bowls
but that sounds like 5 times the work and mess.

-also-

here's my recipe (scaled VPN)

Flour 5523g
Water 3590ml
Salt 166g
Yeast 22g
(this will make a 9.3kg batch)

Will I really need 22g of yeast?

I'm planning on doing an overnight no-knead method, and then letting the dough balls proof in the fridge for about 10hrs before using.

What do you guys do for big batches?

cheers,
Mitch.

[splatgirl]

honestly, it seems like it would be impossible to properly work a 10kg batch on dough all at once on the bench but I'm thinking from a kneading perspective and if you're doing no-knead....
but that's still an awfully big blob of dough! do take some pictures, won't you?

[70chevelle]

I've done almost that amount (5000 grams of flour), but in 2 batches (2500 grams each). My Electrolux DLX has handled up to 3000 grams of flour in a single batch and that's about it's limit. So for me, mixing it up isn't an issue, but rising in the fridge can be a handful. I have 2 large tupperware containers for bulk rising. They normally have the tops popped by the end of the rise. I've been thinking of using a food grade 5 gallon bucket and hand kneading the 2 large dough balls together. I'm just not sure how much of an issue it will be getting all that dough out of the container.

[texassourdough]

I have a big plastic, food grade "tub" that looks like a plastic storage box - about 18 inches wide, 30 inches long and 8 inches deep that I make big batches in by hand. This is bread dough and not pizza! So I don't retard it which (along with your refrigerator size) would influence what will work for you. Making dough in a tub is pretty cool and tidy. I mix it, let it autolyze, knead it a bit, rest a few minutes and then fold a few times every 45 minutes for an hour and a half and it's ready to go. While I knead my pizza dough more up front and (especially with Caputo) form it early, I think that approach would work for conventional AP doughs.

Good Luck!
Jay

[Mitchamus]

Originally Posted by texassourdough

I have a big plastic, food grade "tub" that looks like a plastic storage box

That's a great idea!!
I'll go to the local hardware store and get one.

but how big do I need?

since 1 cup (250ml volume) of flour weights 150g...

That means the flour will take up around 10 litres of volume.. (9205ml)
I'll estimate the same weight for the salt & yeast.. ~320ml
and say 3600ml of water..

means I need a container -at least- 14L in volume just for mixing...

so 30L+ to allow for proofing area...

So the rule of thumb is to treble the weight to get the volume required in litres...

I think 45L to be safe

[Mitchamus]

Originally Posted by splatgirl

honestly, it seems like it would be impossible to properly work a 10kg batch on dough all at once on the bench

Challenge accepted!

[texassourdough]

Hey Mitch!

That will be about 12 gallons. Getting pretty big there! But it will keep the mess in one place and that is very helpful. You know, I bet 8 to 10 gallons would work!

Also... Splat may think 10kg can't be done on a bench. I haven't done that much but I would certainly not be afraid to try!

Good Luck!
Jay

[splatgirl]

Originally Posted by texassourdough

Hey Mitch!


Also... Splat may think 10kg can't be done on a bench. I haven't done that much but I would certainly not be afraid to try!

Good Luck!
Jay

maybe the difference between manpower and womanpower
seriously, photos are a must!

[Mitchamus]

Originally Posted by texassourdough

You know, I bet 8 to 10 gallons would work!

yeah - you're right, I might be able to get a 40L (10gal) bucket or tub,

I'll just have to wait and see what they have available in the target size....

I think as long as I get just over or around 30L I'll be fine, and with a lid will be handy.

[Mitchamus]

Originally Posted by splatgirl

seriously, photos are a must!

I'll try and remember to take some.