Basic Sourdough Bread 🍞
This recipe is perfect for crafting a delicious sourdough loaf with a tangy flavour, chewy crumb, and crispy crust. With just four ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a truly satisfying homemade bread to enjoy.
Ingredients:
🌾 Strong white bread flour: 500g
🌟 Active sourdough starter: 100g (fed and bubbly)
💧 Water: 350ml (lukewarm)
🧂 Salt: 10g
Method:
🌊 Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse stage).
🧂 Add salt and starter
Add the sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix well until fully incorporated. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon. The dough will be sticky—that’s normal!
⏳ Bulk fermentation
Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–5 hours. Every 30–45 minutes, perform a stretch and fold: gently stretch one side of the dough and fold it over the top, repeating on all four sides. This strengthens the dough structure.
🥶 Shape and cold proof
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf by gently tucking the edges underneath. Place it seam-side up into a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured tea towel. Cover and refrigerate overnight for a slow cold proof.
🔥 Preheat the oven
Place a Dutch oven or heavy-lidded pot in your oven and preheat to 240°C (fan 220°C) for at least 30 minutes. The pot needs to be very hot.
🔪 Score the dough
Carefully turn the dough out onto a piece of baking parchment, seam-side down. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the top with a slash or design—this allows the bread to expand in the oven.
🍞 Bake the bread
Transfer the dough (on the parchment) into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown.
🛝 Cool and enjoy
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This helps the crumb set properly.
Serving Information:
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes (active) + overnight proof
⏱ Bake Time: 45 minutes
🍴 Makes: 1 large loaf
🔥 Calories: ~130 per slice (based on 12 slices)
This sourdough bread is perfect with a slather of butter, as toast, or served alongside a hearty soup. Happy baking! 😊