Community of Bukharian Jews

Knead, Rise, Repeat: A Night of Sourdough, Sisterhood, and Sensory Delight

by Elena Aminova
June 6, 2025
5 minute read
40 Views

Under the warm lights of a cozy Forest Hills kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with laughter, music, and the comforting sounds of dough being kneaded by hand. On the evening of March 25, a group of spirited Bukharian women gathered for a truly unforgettable experience – a hands-on sourdough bread-making workshop led by the inspiring Zoya Aminov.

This wasn’t just any class. It was an invitation into a world of tradition, fermentation, creativity, and connection – a perfect blend of education and empowerment kneaded together with flour and love.

Flour, Fun, and First Loaves

The evening kicked off with warm introductions as the ladies sipped wine, shared stories, and bonded over their mutual love for homemade food. Zoya, a seasoned home baker known in the community for her culinary artistry, welcomed each participant with a smile and a personalized starter kit – complete with an active sourdough starter and detailed instructions.

Then the magic began. From understanding the difference between autolyse and bulk fermentation to mastering the art of the stretch and fold, each participant was guided through the centuries-old process of sourdough baking. Zoya’s down-to-earth style made even the most complex steps feel approachable. Whether you were a flour-covered novice or a curious foodie, her encouragement and expertise made every step of the journey engaging and accessible.

From Scratch to Sensation

The class was more than just mixing flour and water – it was a full sensory experience. Each student rolled up their sleeves and crafted their own dough from scratch, which they took home for an overnight cold ferment. Meanwhile, they practiced shaping, scoring, and baking with pre-fermented dough Zoya had prepared earlier. The reward? A beautifully golden, crusty loaf of sourdough fresh from the oven – crackling as it cooled, beckoning for a taste.

Sourdough isn’t just a recipe – it’s a ritual. And Zoya made sure each participant left with more than just a loaf. She shared pro tips for maintaining a healthy starter, explained the science behind fermentation, and even demonstrated how to create stunning scoring designs.

More Than Bread: A Taste of Community

As the final loaves came out of the oven, the class gathered around the table to share bites of bread dipped in olive oil, taste flavored sourdough varieties, and enjoy delicious sushi, snacks, appetizers and sweets all made by Zoya. Warmth of the evening wasn’t just in the oven – it radiated from the shared experience, the new friendships formed, and the empowering feeling of having learned a valuable skill.

“I came for the bread,” said one participant, “but I left with so much more – confidence, inspiration, and a sense of community.”

A Rising Trend – And a Standing Invitation

With wellness trends steering more women toward mindful eating and artisanal kitchen crafts, sourdough has risen (pun intended!) to the top of the list. It’s naturally leavened, gut-friendly, and deeply satisfying to make. But what makes Zoya’s class truly special is the way she infuses each lesson with heart, heritage, and hands-on wisdom. And the best part? These soulful baking experiences happen every month – in Queens and private locations by request.

The next sourdough class is already on the calendar:

June 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Location: Queens (exact address shared after booking)

DM on Instagram SoulbakebyZoya or contact her directly at 718-687-6154 to reserve your spot.

Seats are limited – classes fill quickly!

Also perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, family reunions, or private events.

In a world that often moves too fast, there’s something deeply grounding about baking bread. It forces you to slow down, pay attention, and connect – to your food, to your hands, and to those around you. And when shared with a table full of incredible women? It becomes an experience to savor.