My Signature Sourdough

Just some flour, water, salt and sourdough starter.

A black and white drawing of a clock on a white background.

Prep Time

2 hrs 30 min + Bulk Rise (6-12 hrs) & Overnight Proof (24-36 hrs)

A black and white drawing of a pot with a handle.

Cook Time

35 minutes

A black and white drawing of three gears on a white background.

Difficulty

Moderate

A black and white drawing of a fork and a knife

Yield

1 Loaf

A black and white drawing of a clock on a white background.

Prep Time

2 hrs 30 min + Bulk Rise (6-12 hrs) & Overnight Proof (24-36 hrs)

A black and white drawing of a pot with a handle.

Cook Time

35 minutes

A black and white drawing of three gears on a white background.

Difficulty

Moderate

A black and white drawing of a fork and a knife

Yield

1 Loaf

Yes, it is that good. And here's a sneaky little tip.
An extraordinarily delicious bread that'll leave you wanting a slice for every bite. Pairs well with soups, stews or just about any dinner occasion you can think. I can't tell you how many times I'd wish I'd frozen a loaf to pull out of the freezer to thaw for dinner. Lesson learned! Now, I always have a loaf on hand ;)

Now, let's do it!

INGREDIENTS


  • 500 g bread flour (incorporate other flours like wheat by decreasing bread flour amounts and adding in other flour(s) of choice. Just be sure to equal 500 g in total)
  • 60-90 g ripe sourdough starter 
  • 325-350 g water 
  • 12 g sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS


  1. Combine the flour, water, sourdough starter and salt. Once combined, cover and wait 15 minutes.
  2. Begin a series of stretch and folds for the next two hours, spaced 30 minutes apart.This will strengthen the gluten of the loaf.
  3. After the stretch and folds, transfer to a straight-sided container or large bowl and allow to rise during this first fermentation process (called bulk fermentation). Allow to rise 1.5 x its size.
  4. Once bulk fermentation is finished (which will depend on the temperature - warmer temps will equal shorter proofing time; a cooler environment will mean longer proofing times), it's time for shaping. Remove from the container or bowl and transfer to a floured surface. Shape into a boule (round) or batard (oblong) loaf using your bench scraper. Cover the loaf and let rest for 15 minutes. Once it has relaxed, shape again just as before. Only this time, when finished, transfer to a floured banneton, cover with a tea towel, and wait until a "poke" test reveals it is ready to  move into the refrigerator, covered and ready to settle in for 24-36 hours.
  5. Following the long hibernation, it's almost time to bake! Heat the oven to 500° and place your bread oven, dutch oven or other vessel inside to heat up. When the oven comes to temp, pull the loaf out. Place a plate with a piece of parchment paper on top of the banneton, and flip the banneton upside down so the loaf gently drops onto the plate. Score the loaf to your creative heart's liking.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes at 500°, covered. Afterward, remove the lid of the bread oven and bake for another 15 minutes, uncovered, at 450°.
  7. Once the loaf has reached a perfectly golden brown and an internal temperature of about 190-200°, remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling. Though tempting, wait until the loaf has completely cooled before slicing in!

A few thoughts and some reviews.

Looks great. Nice distribution of air pockets. Doesn't' look doughy. I'll take loaf next time you bake! 😍 -Trent Boarnet
Looks delicious πŸ˜‹ You're really mastering the sourdough! -Mary Mathis Lonnevik

"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." -Nelson Mandela

What's been cookin' good lookin'?