Tony’s Biga (Tiga) Pizza Starter
Tiga is one of the two starters I use most frequently in my book, The Pizza Bible, and in my restaurants. Tiga is my slightly more hydrated version of a classic biga starter, which is usually between 50 and 60 percent water. This “Tony’s biga,” which I call “Tiga,” has 70 percent hydration.
Servings: 90 grams
Ingredients
- 0.14 grams active dry yeast one-third of 1/8 teaspoon, or 0.42 gram fresh yeast, broken into small pieces
- 39 grams cold tap water 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons
- 55 grams flour used in dough recipe ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Put the yeast in a small bowl, add the water, and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. The mixture should bubble on top. If it doesn’t and the yeast granules float, the yeast is “dead” and should be discarded. Begin again with a fresh amount of yeast and water.
- Add the flour and stir well with a rubber spatula to combine. The consistency will be quite thick.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let sit at room temperature for 18 hours.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool slightly before using.
- If you are not using the starter right away, you can store it in the refrigerator, though I suggest keeping it for no more than 8 hours. Bring it to cool room temperature before using.
Notes
- In general, unless I specify otherwise, use the same flour in your starter that you will be using in your dough.
- I always make starters with cold water to slow down the fermentation process for greater flavor complexity.
- It’s helpful to use a clear glass bowl so you can see how well your starter is fermenting.
- HANDLING STARTER: A starter is generally quite sticky and thus difficult to maneuver with a rubber spatula or bowl scraper. When taking it out of the bowl to measure it or to add it to your dough, use your hands, first dampening them in ice water. The starter won’t stick to your wet, cold hands.