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Sourdough
Making a classic sourdough loaf can be a rewarding experience, bringing the incredible flavors and textures that only natural fermentation can achieve. If you’re like me and you believe that all problems can be solved with a warm piece of bread and butter, then follow this simple step-by-step guide to bake a crusty and delicious loaf right at home!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:
– 475g of all-purpose flour
– 325g water (room temperature)
– 100g active sourdough starter
– 10g salt
Steps to Create Your Sourdough Loaf
1. Mix Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and sourdough starter with a Danish dough whisk. Stir until no dry flour remains. This mixture, known as autolyse, should rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Add Salt: After the resting period, sprinkle the salt over the dough and mix in with your hands. You can use the pinching method to incorporate it evenly.
3. Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you will begin your stretch and folds. Grab one side of the dough, stretch it up, fold it over itself. Rotate your bowl and repeat this action 4 times. Repeat 3 more stretch and folds over the next hour and a half. Each spaced 30 minutes apart. After your stretch and folds are complete, allow your dough to rest, covered, for 8-10 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape Your Loaf: Once the dough has fermented (doubled in size), lightly flour your work surface, turn out the dough, and shape it into a round or oval loaf as desired.
5. Final Proof: Place the shaped dough in a well-floured proofing basket, cover it, and let it rise for around 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor.
6. Bake! Preheat your oven to 500°F (230°C). When ready to bake, score the top of the loaf with a bread lame and place it in a dutch oven with the lid on. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Once baked, let it cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade classic sourdough loaf with butter or your favorite spreads!