Delve into the world of homemade bread by making your own sourdough bread and enjoy the gratifying experience of crafting an artisanal loaf. With a tangy flavor, chewy crust, and airy crumb, this sourdough bread recipe promises to boost your baking skills and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Here’s how to make your sourdough at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of active sourdough starter
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil for coating
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Stir until the starter is mostly dissolved in the water. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size. Gently deflate the dough, fold it into itself a few times, and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the shaped dough in a bowl lined with a cloth, seam side down. Cover and let it rise for another 2-3 hours or until visibly expanded.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Once the oven is hot, carefully transfer the risen dough into the preheated Dutch oven. You can score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to create a decorative pattern.
- Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the bread has a golden-brown crust. Cool the sourdough bread on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sourdough!
