Are you ready to knead your way into the wild and wondrous world of sourdough bread? Grab your apron, because we’re about to embark on a delicious journey that involves flour, water, and a bit of magic! This everyday sourdough bread recipe will have you rising (not just your bread) with joy as you step into the marvelous realm of homemade bread-making!
Visual Delight: Our Star Ingredient!
First things first, let’s feast our eyes on this beautiful loaf that is waiting to be made in your very own kitchen!
Ingredients to Channel Your Inner Baker:
- 500g (about 4 cups) of bread flour
- 350g (about 1.5 cups) of water (room temperature, not hot! We’re not trying to cook the yeast!)
- 100g (about ½ cup) of active sourdough starter (the magic potion!)
- 10g (about 2 tsp) of sea salt
Instructions That Rise to the Occasion:
- Mingle the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Mix it until everything is friendly and well-hydrated, but don’t panic if it looks a bit shaggy. That’s just the dough saying “hello!” Let it rest for about 30 minutes because even dough needs to chill.
- Meet the Starter: Add your active sourdough starter and salt to the bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated. You’re creating a bread family here!
- Time to Knead! Turn the shaggy mass onto a lightly floured surface. Knead that dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Think of it as a workout for your hands—goodbye gym membership!
- First Rise: Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 4 to 6 hours. You can do a little happy dance while waiting.
- Shape The Loaf: Gently push the air out of the risen dough and shape it into a ball. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to relax.
- Second Rise: Form your dough into a loaf shape and place it in a floured proofing basket (or a bowl lined with a floured cloth). Cover it again and let it rise for another 2 to 3 hours, or until it’s puffy.
- Preheat the Magic Oven: About 30 minutes before your bread is ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven (or any oven-safe pot) inside. We want that baby hot!
- Score and Bake: Once heated, carefully remove the Dutch oven, and place your dough inside. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife for that classic look. Cover it and bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Off: Once baked, let your loaf cool on a wire rack (if you can resist tearing into it) before slicing. This will make your kitchen smell like a bakery and score you serious points with your taste buds!
And there you have it! Your very own delicious everyday sourdough bread that will knock the socks off anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Enjoy the crusty goodness, and remember: life is what you make it. So make some bread!
source: heartbeetkitchen.com
