Sourdough
Sourdough is a beloved bread variety that has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It has a unique tangy flavor and chewy texture that sets it apart from other types of bread. But what makes sourdough so special is not just the taste, but the process that goes into making it. Each phase of the sourdough making process plays a crucial role in creating the perfect loaf of bread. Making sourdough bread is a process, but don't worry, we've simplified it for you.
Feed your sourdough starter every day at the same time. To feed it, discard all but 50g of the starter, then add 50g of water and 50g of bread flour. If you're not planning to bake that day, feed it a ratio of 15:15:15 (starter:water:flour).
When you're ready to bake, take 75g of your active bubbly starter and mix it with 375g of warm water in a large bowl.
Add 500g of bread flour to the bowl and mix until the flour is fully incorporated.
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before adding 15g of salt.
Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for 4 hours. This process helps develop the gluten in the dough.
Once the dough has gone through the stretch and fold process, work it into a ball and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise overnight, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
The next day, when the dough has doubled in size and has bubbles on top, shape it on a floured surface and place it in a linen-lined bowl. Let it rest for up to 6 hours.
Preheat your dutch oven in the oven at 500°F for 30 minutes.
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and score the top with a sharp knife. Dust the top with flour.
Carefully place the dough in the preheated dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and reduce the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake for 25 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing and enjoying your homemade sourdough bread!
Phase 1: Creating the Starter
The first step in making sourdough is creating a starter. This is a mixture of flour and water that is left to ferment and develop wild yeast and bacteria. The wild yeast is what gives sourdough its signature tangy flavor, while the bacteria helps to break down the gluten in the flour, making it easier to digest.
It's important to feed the starter every day at the same time to keep it active and healthy. The feeding process involves discarding a portion of the starter and adding fresh flour and water. This provides the yeast and bacteria with new food to consume, allowing them to multiply and continue to ferment the mixture.
Phase 2: Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Once the starter is active and bubbly, it's time to mix it with flour and other ingredients to create the dough. The mixing and kneading process helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which is essential for creating the structure of the bread.
It's important to not overwork the dough, as this can cause the gluten to break down and result in a dense loaf of bread. Instead, the dough should be kneaded until it is smooth and elastic.
Phase 3: Fermentation and Proofing
After the dough is mixed and kneaded, it needs to be left to ferment and proof. This is where the yeast and bacteria in the starter come into play, as they continue to multiply and produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise.
Fermentation can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. The dough should be left to rise until it has doubled in size and has a puffy, airy texture.
Phase 4: Shaping and Scoring
Once the dough has risen, it's time to shape it and score it. Shaping the dough involves gently shaping it into a ball or loaf, which helps to create the final structure of the bread.
Scoring the dough involves making shallow cuts on the surface of the dough, which allows it to expand and release steam during the baking process. This helps to create a crispy crust and an airy interior.
Phase 5: Baking
The final phase of the sourdough making process is baking. Sourdough bread is typically baked in a hot, steamy oven, which helps to create a crispy crust and a chewy interior.
It's important to bake the bread at the right temperature and for the right amount of time, as this can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor of the bread.