Buns For Muffulettas Or Monster Burgers

FOR THE STARTER

Step 1: Mix the flour, yeast and water until smooth.

Step 2: Cover and let the starter ferment overnight. It should double in volume and have a sweet aroma/

FOR THE DOUGH

Step 3: Place the starter in a large bowl and add the water. Mix well.

Step 4: Add the salt, sugar, and oil and mix.

Step 5: Add half the flour and the yeast and mix well. Add the rest of the flour and mix until uniform. With wet hands squeeze the dough to insure there are no lumps. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.

Step 6: With wet hands or dough scraper, stretch and fold on a lightly floured counter letter-style folding all four sides over. Don't pull the dough apart.

Step 7: Place in oiled bowl or straight sided container and cover.

Step 8: In 10 minutes, stretch and fold and return to bowl. Do another stretch and fold in 10 minutes. The dough should be stronger and smooth and shiny.

Step 9: You can proceed to make the bread or cover and refrigerate overnight. The flavor becomes more complex the longer it takes to rise.

Step 10: Let the dough rise either at room temperature or in the fridge until it has doubled in volume.

Step 11: Remove the dough from the fridge and let warm for an hour or two or rest the container in a warm water bath until approaching room temperature.

Step 12: Divide into 2 parts and gently shape into 2 balls using flour on counter and hands. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Step 13: Stretch or roll the patties into 8 inch rounds. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes. A small sample of dough can be used in a small glass to judge the rise.

Step 14: Bake in a 400F oven for 8 minutes, rotate and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more until browned and 200-210F internally.