There’s something truly special about baking bread at home. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the warm loaf waiting to be sliced, and the satisfaction of crafting something from scratch—it’s an experience like no other. Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of sourdough, a bread that not only tastes fantastic but also has a delightful crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior. Let’s get started on creating your very own Homemade Artisan Sourdough Bread!
Look at this Gorgeous Loaf!
Just feast your eyes on this beautiful homemade artisan sourdough bread! This loaf is the epitome of what you can achieve when you follow the right techniques and give it your love and attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g bread flour
- 350g water, at room temperature
- 100g actively fed sourdough starter
- 10g salt
Instructions to Bake Perfect Sourdough:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and the water. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until there are no dry bits of flour left. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Add the Starter and Salt: After the dough has rested, add the sourdough starter and salt to the bowl. Mix well again until fully integrated.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for about 4 hours at room temperature. During the first 2 hours, stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes to build strength.
- Shape the Dough: After bulk fermentation, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Let it rest for 30 minutes before the final shaping.
- Final Proofing: Place the shaped dough into a proofing basket seam side up, cover it, and let it proof for another 2 to 4 hours. For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) along with a Dutch oven inside to create steam.
- Bake the Bread: When ready, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place the dough inside, and cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sourdough warm with a pat of butter or your favorite spread!
Making sourdough bread might seem like a challenge, but with patience and practice, you can master the art of this delicious loaf. So grab your ingredients and embark on this baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
source: thewoksoflife.com
