Sourdough bread

 

Making sourdough bread involves creating a natural leavening starter and using it to bake a flavorful, crusty loaf. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Sourdough Starter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup water (room temperature)

Instructions:

1. Combine Flour and Water:

   • In a clean glass or plastic container, mix 1 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of water.
   • Stir until well combined and there are no lumps.

2. Cover and Rest:

   • Cover the container loosely with a lid or plastic wrap.
   • Let it sit at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C) for 24 hours.

3. Feed the Starter:

   • After 24 hours, discard half of the starter (about 1/2 cup).
   • Add 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water to the remaining starter.
   • Mix well, cover loosely, and let it rest for another 24 hours.

4. Repeat Feeding:

   • Feed the starter daily for about 5-7 days. You'll know it's ready when it’s bubbly, has doubled in size, and has a tangy smell.

Sourdough Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter and warm water.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a rough dough forms.
   • Add the salt and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

2. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Dough:

   • Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
   • Shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
   • Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a floured proofing basket.

4. Second Rise:

   • Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 2-3 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in size.

5. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

6. Score and Bake:

   • Before baking, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or bread lame to help it expand.
   • If using a Dutch oven, carefully transfer the dough into the preheated pot. If using a baking sheet, just place it in the oven.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches about 200°F (93°C).

7. Cool:

   • Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread with butter, cheese, or any of your favorite spreads!