Hot Water In Keto Bread: What's The Science?

Some keto bread recipes call for hot water to activate the yeast. In bread making, yeast is mixed with water that is warm to the touch (between 105-110°F) and a sweetener like inulin or honey, which the yeast feeds on to emit carbon dioxide. This process is called proofing, and it usually takes around 10 minutes.

To activate yeast

To activate the yeast, you will need to proof it. This involves mixing dry active yeast with water that's just warm to the touch (between 105-110°F) and inulin (or a sugar like maple syrup or honey) for 7 minutes until foamy. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the water with the inside of your wrist—it should feel pleasantly warm, not cold or hot. This process is crucial as the yeast feeds on the sugar and emits carbon dioxide, which doesn't affect the carb count.

It's important to note that the water temperature must be just right. If the water is too cold, it won't activate the yeast, and if it's too hot, it will kill it. After adding the water to the yeast mixture, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest. The mixture should become bubbly. If it doesn't, that means the water temperature wasn't right, and you should start again.

To prevent eggs tasting eggy

In addition, the type of yeast and water temperature can impact the flavour of the bread. Active dry yeast is a good option for a classic yeast flavour. The water temperature should be warm, not hot or cold, at a range of 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the yeast is activated without being killed.

To prevent butter cooking the eggs

To prevent the butter from cooking the eggs, it is important to ensure that the butter is not hot when combined with the eggs. If the butter is already at room temperature, this is not a concern. However, if the butter has been stored in the fridge, it should be cut into pieces and placed in a small saucepan over low heat. As soon as the butter starts to melt, remove it from the heat and let it sit. Do not wait until it is completely melted, as this will increase the temperature. Once melted, add coconut oil (refined if you don't like the taste of coconut). Then, slowly stream the mixture into the eggs while mixing on low speed. This gradual addition and mixing will help prevent the butter from cooking the eggs.

To activate xanthan gum

Xanthan gum has a tendency to clump up when mixed with liquid. To avoid this, it is important to first mix the xanthan gum with other dry ingredients so that it is equally dispersed before adding any liquid. When xanthan gum is added to dry ingredients, such as flour, it should be whisked in thoroughly to disperse it evenly.

To prevent bread tasting sour

To prevent the bread from tasting sour, it is important to activate the yeast by feeding it with a sugar substitute. In keto bread recipes, this is usually done with inulin powder, which the yeast can feed on without adding any sugar to the recipe.

To activate the yeast, it should be mixed with inulin and warm water (not hot or cold) and left to sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes puffy. This process is known as "proofing" or "blooming" the yeast, and it is crucial for ensuring that the bread rises properly during baking.

Additionally, it is important to use room temperature ingredients, especially when it comes to the eggs and butter. Cold ingredients can affect the yeast activation and the overall texture of the bread.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can ensure that your keto bread has a neutral or pleasant taste and does not turn sour.

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