Introduction

There's nothing quite like the taste and smell of homemade sourdough bread fresh out of the oven. Sourdough bread is a traditional type of bread that's made with a naturally occurring yeast starter, which gives it a distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture. Making sourdough bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a little patience and practice, anyone can master the art of breadmaking. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making homemade sourdough bread, so you can enjoy this delicious bread at home.

Ingredients

• 500g of bread flour
• 375g of water
• 10g of salt
• 100g of sourdough starter

Instructions

Step 1: Create your sourdough starter Before you can make sourdough bread, you'll need to create a sourdough starter. This is a natural yeast mixture that you’ll use to leaven the bread. Start your sourdough starter a week before you plan on baking the bread. To create the starter, mix together 50g of bread flour and 50g of water in a jar. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or a breathable lid. Place the jar in a warm spot in your kitchen, and leave it there for 24 hours. The next day, add another 50g of flour and 50g of water to the jar and mix well. Repeat this process daily until your starter is active and bubbly. This usually takes 5 to 7 days.

Step 2: Mix the Dough In a large bowl, mix together 500g of bread flour and 375g of water until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Starter and Salt Add 100g of sourdough starter and 10g of salt to the dough. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Knead the Dough Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You can either do this by hand or in a stand mixer.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover it with a tea towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough After the dough has risen, gently shape it into a boule (round) or a batard (oval). Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Bake Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (or a heavy pot with a lid) in the oven to preheat as well. When the oven is preheated, carefully place the dough (with the parchment paper) into the Dutch oven. Cover the pot and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Step 8: Enjoy! Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Spread some butter on the warm bread and enjoy!

Conclusion

Making homemade sourdough bread is a rewarding and delicious experience. With a little practice, you'll be able to create an amazing artisanal bread that will impress your friends and family. Start with this basic recipe, and experiment with different flours, shapes, and techniques. Happy baking!