There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked sourdough bread filling your kitchen. With this simple recipe, you'll be baking like a pro in no time.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350g warm water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g fine sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the flour and water in a large bowl. Let it rest for 30 minutes (this is called autolyse).
Step 2: Add the sourdough starter and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature.
Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a proofing basket. Let it proof for 2-3 hours.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, score the top, and bake for 20 minutes with the lid on.
Step 8: Remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements
- Feed your starter 4-6 hours before using
- Don't skip the autolyse step
- Be patient with the fermentation process
Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread! For more recipes and baking tips, visit our website.