A Beginner's Guide
What is sourdough?
Sourdough bread is a type of bread made through the fermentation of dough using naturally occurring yeasts and lactobacilli bacteria. This fermentation process gives sourdough its distinctive tangy flavor and airy texture. Sourdough bread is often prized for its nuanced taste, longer shelf life compared to commercial bread, and potential health benefits due to the fermentation process.
Making sourdough bread involves a process that requires some time and patience, but the results are often rewarding. Here is a basic recipe to make sourdough bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Mix well. Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough either in the bowl or on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours. During this time, stretch and fold the dough every hour. After the bulk fermentation, shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket.
- Cover the dough and let it proof in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 4-8 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Score the loaf and bake it in a preheated Dutch oven for 20 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the bread cool before slicing.
