Description
Homemade sourdough bread promises a rustic journey through tangy flavors and traditional baking techniques. Crisp golden crust and pillowy interior invite bakers to explore the magic of fermentation and crafted perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 cups (600 grams) bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) lukewarm water
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) active sourdough starter
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) salt
Instructions
- Whisk sourdough starter and water together in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
- Gradually incorporate flour and salt, stirring until a rough, uneven dough emerges with visible texture.
- Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and knead methodically for approximately 10 minutes, developing smooth elasticity and consistent texture.
- Transfer kneaded dough into a lightly oiled container, drape with a clean kitchen cloth, and allow fermentation at room temperature for 4-6 hours until volume noticeably increases.
- Gently shape dough into a structured loaf, maintaining delicate air pockets, and nestle into a prepared baking receptacle.
- Permit secondary proofing for 2-3 hours, allowing further expansion and development of complex flavor profiles.
- Position oven rack in center position and preheat to 450F (230C), ensuring consistent temperature distribution.
- Slide bread into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring crust development until achieving deep golden-brown coloration and resonant hollow sound when tapped.
- Remove bread from oven, transfer to cooling rack, and allow complete temperature reduction before slicing to preserve internal moisture and structural integrity.
Notes
- Activate your starter at room temperature several hours before mixing to ensure maximum fermentation power.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, which guarantees consistent bread texture and rise.
- Experiment with different flour blends like whole wheat or rye to create unique flavor profiles and nutritional variations.
- Create steam in the oven by placing a water-filled pan on the bottom rack during baking, helping develop a crispy, golden crust that professional bakeries achieve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 1200 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 250 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg