What does it mean to let bread dough rest?

When you let bread dough rest, you are giving it time to rise. This is an important step in the bread-making process, as it allows the dough to develop flavour, texture, and structure.

During resting, the yeast in the dough converts the sugars in the flour into carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and become light and airy. The resting process also allows the gluten in the dough to relax and develop, which gives the bread its chewiness.

The length of time you rest bread dough will vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes call for a long rest of several hours, while others only require a short rest of 15-20 minutes.

Here are some tips for resting bread dough:

- Find a warm place for the dough to rest. The ideal temperature for dough rising is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

- If the dough is rising for a long time, you may need to punch it down once or twice to release any excess gas.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your bread dough rises properly and produces a delicious, flavourful loaf of bread.