After adding salt, I mix my dough for a few minutes, then leave it alone to rest before moving on to slap and folds. Instead of continuously working the dough for 10–15 minutes, give it a few minutes to relax. During this rest, the flour continues to hydrate, the gluten network develops further, and the dough becomes easier to stretch and handle. When you return to your slap and folds, you’ll often find that the dough comes together beautifully in just a few minutes. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your sourdough is leave it alone! 🍞 Want to understand the science behind sourdough and learn to bake confidently at home? Join my online Sourdough 101 Certificate Course, where I take you through the entire process step by step — from building and maintaining a healthy starter to understanding fermentation, developing gluten, shaping, proofing and baking beautiful loaves. Learn at your own pace, revisit the lessons whenever you need to, and most importantly, understand why you’re doing what you’re doing instead of simply following a recipe. You’ll also receive downloadable recipes and a certificate of completion! Sign up at https://communetable.thinkific.com/courses/sourdough-baking-course #sourdough #sourdoughbaking #breadmaking #communetable #payalthakurani

As I pack up my last few months in India and prepare for yet another new beginning, I’m reminded that home isn’t always a place. Sometimes, it’s the little things we carry with us❤️ Three things always find their way into my luggage - my mixing bowl, my banneton and, of course, my trusty sourdough starter jar! 🍞 Before packing, I scrape out almost all the starter, leaving just tiny bits clinging to the sides of the jar. I leave it open on the kitchen counter for a day until those little remnants have completely dried out. The theory? Some of the wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria should survive the drying process, allowing me to revive my starter with fresh flour and water when I reach my next destination. New country, new flour, new kitchen… but hopefully the same old starter. A little piece of home travelling with me. ❤️ Have you ever travelled with your sourdough starter? How do you carry yours? #SourdoughStarter #SourdoughBaking #BreadBaking #communetable #payalthakurani

Sign up for Sourdough 101 on www.TheCommuneTable.com OR in our Skool classroom! And that’s a wrap on our sourdough journey in India! 🇮🇳❤️ Couldn’t make it to one of our Mumbai workshops? Not to worry! Our online classes are just as comprehensive, with detailed step-by-step video lessons, downloadable recipes and ongoing support to help you master sourdough at your own pace. It’s been wonderful sharing my love for sourdough with so many of you in India. Until we meet again, I hope to see you in our online classroom at The Commune Table #SourdoughBread #SourdoughBaking #LearnToBake #communetable #payalthakurani

Sign up for our online courses on https://thecommunetable.com or sign up in our Skool classroom! Choose from: 🥟 Traditional Chinese Dumplings – Learn to make authentic dumpling wrappers, delicious fillings, and master folding and cooking techniques. 🥟 Gluten-Free Dumplings – Make beautiful, delicate dumplings from scratch using gluten-free flours, with three delicious filling options. 🥢 Chinese Wok 101 – Master essential Chinese cooking techniques, from wok heat control and velveting to preparing restaurant-style Chinese dishes at home. What’s included in our courses? ✅ Step-by-step, pre-recorded video lessons ✅ Learn at your own pace, from anywhere in the world ✅ Detailed recipes, techniques and practical cooking tips ✅ Guidance from Chef Payal, professionally trained in Chinese cuisine with decades of experience ✅ Access to course discussion groups to ask questions and get support ✅ 3 months of access to revisit your lessons and practise ✅ Certificate of completion for eligible courses Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your Chinese cooking skills, there’s something for everyone. #ChineseCooking #ChineseDumplings #DumplingMaking #payalthakurani #communekitchen

Full recipe link below👇 Wholesome lunches don’t have to be complicated to taste incredible. Welcome back to Wholesome Lunches Made Simple! Recipe 3 in our 8-week series is here: Roast Beetroot, Cashew & Cranberry Salad. Earthy roasted beetroot meets fresh greens, carrot ribbons, creamy feta, toasted cashews, crunchy seeds, and sweet-tart dried cranberries — all tied together with a rich cranberry-balsamic dressing. 💡 Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing and crunchy toppers on the side to keep your greens crisp until lunch hour. Stay tuned for a new recipe each week! https://uscranberriesasean.com/roast-beetroot-cashew-cranberry-salad/ Want to join us for an online classes at The Commune Table Singapore and get certified - sign up in the Skool classroom or go to https://thecommunetable.com #USCranberries #WholesomeLunchesMadeSimple #CranberryRecipes #HealthyLunchIdeas #BeetrootSalad