The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

adding raisins to dough

loaflove's picture
loaflove

adding raisins to dough

Hi all,

I'd like to add raisins to my bagel dough.  The recipe says to soak them first but why?  Can't i just add them as is?  One time i soaked dry fruit and chopped it up, strained them and put it in my bread dough and i didn't like how it made my dough all slimy.  Maybe i need to dry them more and not just strain them?  But yes, if i can get away with not soaking at all that would be nice

yozzause's picture
yozzause

 

Yes you do need to dry them after they have been hydrated  i usually soak them over night and then have them dry out on a paper towel for a while.  The alternative i to allow for a wetter dough as the dried fruit will absorb some of the moisture. I've recently made a Lemon fruit bread now the new season lemons are here i soak my sultanas overnight in straight lemon juice  then dry them off on paper towel and in the dough i use 50% lemon juice 50% water, everyone that has tried the result love the fruit as it has a sharp twist to the overall sweetness.

loaflove's picture
loaflove

Thanks for your reply!

yozzause's picture
yozzause

I have just blogged the Lemon Fruit Bread if you would like to have a look.

loaflove's picture
loaflove

Thank you ! I saw that and was just about to look!

phaz's picture
phaz

Just add to the dough like any other dry ingredient. No need for any type of rehydration.

suave's picture
suave

There are raisins and raisins.  Some a high quality, plump, pliable, and clean.  Those can go in directly.  Some are dry, clumped, and dirty.   Those need to be rehydrated and cleaned.

loaflove's picture
loaflove

Thanks everyone for your input!  I guess either way if it doesn't do anything drastic to my final product it should be fine