Problembeginnerdraft
Bread spreads out flat
Also searched as: flat bread, loaf spreads, no structure, flat loaf
In short: The dough lacks tension: too little network, too much water or proved too long.
Picture it
Like a tent without taut guy ropes: it won't stand.
What happened in your kitchen?
Question 1
Did the dough already go flat while proving?
All causes, by frequency
- Over-proved
Proved too long: the network is overstretched and tears, and the dough slumps.
Next time: Prove for less time or cooler · Finger test: the dent should fill back slowly
- Too little tension when shaping
Without a taut surface, the loaf has no support.
Next time: Pull the surface taut when shaping · Prove in a banneton
- Too much water for the flour
Very soft doughs need a strong network and practice.
Next time: A little less water · Flour with more protein
Related entries
Sources
- Harold McGee: On Food and Cooking (2004), Kapitel Brot, Getreide