There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This delicious sourdough bread recipe is perfect for both newcomers and seasoned bakers alike. It’s simple, delightful, and will leave your friends and family coming back for more. Let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering loaf!
Delicious Everyday Sourdough Bread
This sourdough bread recipe yields a wonderful crusty loaf with a soft and airy interior. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter. There’s truly no rush to eat it; when made correctly, the bread can be stored for days without losing its texture or flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and sourdough starter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This process is called autolyse and helps develop the gluten.
- Add the salt (and sugar if using) into the dough and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Remember, the times might vary depending on the ambient temperature.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a ball, being careful not to degas it too much.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes before doing a final shape. Prepare a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured cloth.
- Place the shaped dough into the basket seam-side up. Cover and let rise for an additional 2 to 3 hours at room temperature, or you can place it in the fridge overnight for a slower fermentation.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) about 30 minutes before baking. If you have a baking stone or Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Once the dough is ready to bake, carefully invert it onto a parchment paper. Score the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade sourdough bread! It’s an enriching experience that connects you to the ancient art of bread-making. Serve it fresh, or save it for later—the choice is yours!
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source = heartbeetkitchen.com