How to Make Sourdough Bread

👉How to Make Sourdough Bread

Certainly! Let’s embark on the delightful journey of creating your very own sourdough bread. Sourdough is a slow-fermented bread that’s naturally leavened using a sourdough starter. The process involves minimal ingredients—water, flour, and salt—but yields a flavorful, chewy loaf with a thick, crusty exterior. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, making sourdough bread is a rewarding experience. Let’s dive into the basics and guide you through the steps:

👉How to Make Sourdough Bread

➡️1. Create Your Sourdough Starter

• Mix 1 tablespoon of active sourdough starter with 75 grams (about 1/2 cup) of bread flour and 75 grams (1/3 cup) of water.
• Let it rest for 24 hours in a warm place, covered loosely.
• Continue feeding your starter daily for about a week until it’s active and bubbly.

➡️2. Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine:
• 75 grams (1/2 cup) of active sourdough starter
• 525 grams (2 1/2 cups) of water (divided)
• 700 grams (5 1/2 cups) of bread flour
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

➡️3. Bulk Fermentation

• Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 2 1/2 hours.
• Perform a series of gentle folds every 30 minutes during this time.

➡️4. Shape the Dough

• After bulk fermentation, shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
• Place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl.

➡️5. Cold Proofing

• Refrigerate the shaped dough overnight (about 8-12 hours) to develop flavor.

➡️6. Preheat and Bake

• Preheat your oven and a Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Turn the dough onto parchment paper, score the top, and transfer it to the preheated Dutch oven.
• Bake with the lid on for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 22-25 minutes until golden brown.

➡️7. Cool and Enjoy

• Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
• Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread!

Remember, sourdough baking is both an art and a science. Expect a learning curve, but with practice, you’ll master the process. Happy baking! 🍞