Yo, folks! Today we’re diving into the art of baking sourdough bread. It’s simple, delicious, and definitely something you can show off to your friends and family. So grab your apron, and let’s get kneadin’!
Baking Sourdough Bread
Check this out! This ain’t just any bread; we talking about that crispy outside and soft, chewy inside that makes sourdough special. If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and wondered how they do it, don’t worry, now you can make it right at home!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them well so that the salt is evenly distributed.
- Add the sourdough starter and water to the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. It may look a bit messy, but that’s all good!
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This is called the autolyse, and it helps the flour absorb the water.
- After resting, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can sprinkle a little flour if it gets sticky, but try not to add too much.
- Place your kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size. You can also do a slow rise in the fridge overnight for more flavor.
- Once it’s risen, gently turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf or whatever shape you like. Let it rest for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. After it’s hot, carefully place the dough in the pot.
- Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.
- Let it cool on a wire rack, and then slice it up! It’s best served fresh, but trust me, you won’t have any trouble finishing it!
After all that hard work, you got yourself a gorgeous loaf of sourdough bread. So go ahead, spread some butter or jam on it, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy baking!