What do they mean by covering dough?

Covering dough means placing something over the dough to create an enclosed environment. This can be done for several reasons:

1. To prevent the dough from drying out: When exposed to air, dough can lose moisture and become dry and brittle. Covering the dough helps to retain moisture and keep it soft and pliable.

2. To create a warm environment for rising: Yeast doughs need a warm environment to rise properly. Covering the dough traps heat and creates a humid environment that helps the yeast to grow and produce gas, causing the dough to rise.

3. To protect the dough from contamination: Covering the dough helps to protect it from dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could otherwise get into the dough and affect its flavor and texture.

There are several ways to cover dough, including:

- A clean kitchen towel or cloth: This is a simple and effective way to cover dough. The cloth should be dampened slightly with water to help keep the dough moist.

- A plastic wrap: Plastic wrap can be used to create a tight seal over the dough, preventing air from getting in and drying it out.

- A lidded container: A lidded container can be used to cover dough that is rising. The lid helps to trap heat and create a humid environment.

When covering dough, it is important to ensure that the dough has enough space to rise. The covering should not be too tight, as this can prevent the dough from rising properly.