There’s something truly magical about baking your own bread at home. Not only does it fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, but it also brings a sense of accomplishment that store-bought loaves just can’t match. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for Basic Artisan Sourdough Bread that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Visual Inspiration
Take a look at this beautiful loaf:
Ingredients for Sourdough Bread
To create this artisan masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 350g water (room temperature)
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
Instructions to Craft the Perfect Sourdough
Follow these simple steps to bring your sourdough bread to life:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Stir until no dry flour remains. Then add the active sourdough starter and mix well. Let this mixture rest for about 30 minutes. This fermentation process will help develop the gluten.
- Add Salt: After the dough has rested, add salt. Mix thoroughly until the salt is fully incorporated.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it sit at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, doing stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours. This helps to build structure in the dough.
- Shaping: Once the bulk fermentation is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf, then let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Final Shape and Proof: After resting, shape the dough again and place it seam-side up in a well-floured proofing basket. Cover it and let it rise for another 2-4 hours at room temperature, or in the refrigerator overnight for a more complex flavor.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Once heated, carefully transfer the dough into the Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp knife, and cover. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cooling: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly.
Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread! Whether you slather it with butter, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own, this recipe is sure to delight every palate. Happy baking!
source: tasteofartisan.com
