Laminated dough

Laminated dough is a culinary preparation consisting of many thin layers of dough separated by butter, produced by repeated folding and rolling. Laminated dough is used to create several types of pastry, including croissant, puff pastry, and Danish pastry.

History

The technique of laminating dough is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was later brought to Europe by the Ottoman Empire. The most well-known type of laminated dough, puff pastry, was developed in France in the 17th century.

Preparation

The process of making laminated dough involves the layering of dough and butter through a process known as lamination. The dough is first mixed and rolled out, and then a slab of butter is placed on top. The dough is then folded over the butter, and the process is repeated multiple times to create multiple thin layers of dough and butter. This process is known as the tourage.

During baking, the water in the butter turns to steam, causing the dough to puff up and separate into many flaky layers. The high fat content of the butter also gives the pastry a rich flavor and a crispy, golden crust.

Types of Laminated Dough

There are several types of laminated dough, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.

• Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the most basic type of laminated dough and has the highest number of layers. It is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including vol-au-vent, mille-feuille, and beef Wellington.

• Croissant Dough: Croissant dough is similar to puff pastry, but includes yeast in the dough, which gives the pastry a lighter, more bread-like texture. It is used to make croissants and other similar pastries.

• Danish Dough: Danish dough is a variation of croissant dough that includes eggs and sugar in the dough, giving it a sweeter flavor and a softer texture. It is used to make Danish pastry and other sweet pastries.

See Also

• Pastry
• Baking
• French cuisine