A Simple and Delicious Beginner Sourdough Bread Recipe
Sourdough bread has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor and health benefits. Making sourdough bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and guidance, even beginners can achieve delicious results. In this article, we will provide a simple and easy-to-follow beginner sourdough bread recipe that will have you baking your own homemade loaves in no time.
To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 350g water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. After the autolyse, add the sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon for this step.
3. Once the dough is well mixed, cover the bowl again and let it rest for 4-6 hours at room temperature. During this time, the dough will undergo fermentation, which gives sourdough bread its distinct flavor.
4. After the fermentation period, lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it.
5. Cover the dough with the towel and let it proof for another 2-3 hours. The dough should increase in size and become slightly puffy.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or a baking stone inside to heat up.
7. Once the oven is preheated, carefully transfer the proofed dough into the hot Dutch oven or onto the baking stone. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow for expansion during baking.
8. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or use a large oven-safe bowl to cover the dough on the baking stone. This will create steam inside the oven, resulting in a crispy crust.
9. Bake the bread for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
With this simple beginner sourdough bread recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious loaves at home. Remember to be patient and allow the dough to ferment and proof properly for the best results. Experiment with different flours and add-ins to create your own unique sourdough bread variations. Happy baking!
