Gather Your Ingredients
To create the perfect sourdough bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml lukewarm water
- 200g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
Mixing the Dough
Follow these steps to mix your sourdough dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Add the active sourdough starter to the mixture.
- Slowly pour in the lukewarm water while stirring the mixture.
- Mix the dough until it comes together and forms a shaggy ball.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Shaping Your Sourdough Bread
Shaping your sourdough bread is a crucial step in achieving the perfect loaf. Follow these steps:
- Lightly flour a clean work surface.
- Tip the risen dough onto the floured surface.
- Gently stretch and fold the dough over itself from all four sides.
- Shape the dough into a round by tucking the edges underneath.
- Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket with the seam side up.
- Cover the basket with a tea towel and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
Baking Your Sourdough
Now that your dough has risen, it’s time to bake your sourdough bread:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.
- Gently turn the proofed dough onto a parchment paper and place it into the hot Dutch oven.
- Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow for expansion.
- Put the lid on the Dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Cooling and Enjoying
After baking your sourdough bread, allow it to cool before slicing and enjoying the fruits of your labor. Here are some tips for storing your sourdough:
- Place the cooled bread on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
- Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain its crust.
- For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in airtight bags.
Congratulations! You have now successfully shaped your sourdough dreams into a delicious loaf of bread. Enjoy the mouthwatering aromas and flavors that come with baking your own sourdough bread!
