Sourdough bread has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Its distinct tangy flavor, chewy texture, and crispy crust make it a favorite among bread lovers everywhere. While it may seem daunting to make sourdough bread from scratch, with a little time and patience, anyone can achieve the perfect loaf. In this post, we will walk you through the steps to make the perfect sourdough bread from scratch.
Step 1: Create a Sourdough Starter
The key ingredient in sourdough bread is the sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented by wild yeast and bacteria. To create a sourdough starter, mix equal parts of flour and water in a glass or ceramic container. Cover loosely with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. After this time, discard half of the mixture and feed it with equal parts of flour and water. Repeat this process every 24 hours, discarding half of the mixture and feeding it until it doubles in size and has a tangy smell, usually around 7-10 days.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your sourdough starter is ready, it’s time to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, mix together 500g of bread flour, 350g of sourdough starter, 300g of water, and 10g of salt. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
After the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape the loaf, fold the dough over itself from all sides, creating tension on the surface. Place the loaf seam-side down into a floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a floured cloth. Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise at room temperature for another 2-4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
About 30 minutes before the dough has finished proofing, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or a baking stone in the oven to preheat as well. The Dutch oven will help create a steamy environment that is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
Step 5: Score the Dough
Once the dough has finished proofing, carefully turn it out onto a piece of parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, score the dough with a few shallow cuts. This will help the dough expand in the oven and create a beautiful pattern on the crust.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Carefully transfer the scored dough into the preheated Dutch oven or onto the hot baking stone. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or create steam in the oven by spraying the dough with water. Bake the bread for 20 minutes, then remove the lid of the Dutch oven or the steam source and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once the bread is baked, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into it. Enjoy your freshly baked sourdough bread with butter, jam, or toppings of your choice!
Making sourdough bread from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can achieve the perfect loaf. By following these steps and honing your skills, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade sourdough bread that is sure to impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start baking your way to sourdough perfection. Happy baking!
