Begin by measuring out all the ingredients. It is very important to have the 3 flour amounts in separate bowls. You can have [F1] flour in your stand mixer bowl.
Have the water in a microwave safe jug & heat for about 30 – 45 seconds until just a little warm (120-130°f, 49-54°c). Alternatively test with a clean finger for just above tepid. You could use hot & cold water mixed together in a jug to get tepid temperature. But if unsure, best to use a thermometer first time making. Once at the right temperature, add in the egg white & oil & mix together.
While the water is heating, add the yeast to the [F1] flour in the main mixing bowl, & mix well. Then add in the salt & then the sugar & mix well between each addition. Add in the onion/garlic powder if using. See Photo 2 below.
Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture & mix a little by hand before starting the stand mixer, with the 'k' paddle/mixer paddle attached (not the kneading hook yet). Mix for 2 minutes, on medium speed with a timer. The timings are important in this recipe.
Next add in the 2nd bowl of flour - [F2], (the smaller one) & let the mixer mix the flour in for another 2 minutes.
Now add in half of the third flour bowl - [F3] & let the mixer incorporate the flour on low - medium speed. Then slowly add in the rest of [F3] flour. You might not need it all, (or a little more – sometimes I have needed an extra ¾ cup or 90g), but you want a dough that starts to come together as a very rough ball around the paddle. Mix for 10 seconds after each addition of flour & wait to see the ‘ball’ of dough. Note that the dough will be a bit sticky.
Next put the dough hook onto the stand mixer (use a scraper to get the dough off the paddle), & knead on medium speed for 4 minutes.
Scrape the dough off the hook & from down the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough over, using the scraper & let the mixer continue kneading for another 4 minutes. The dough does tend to stick at the bottom when kneading, & this is another reason why we turned it during kneading. (Do not be tempted to add more flour). Alternatively, knead by hand on a very lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes till smooth & a little less sticky.