Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe

 This Homemade Sourdough Bread is perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious, tangy, and chewy loaf at home. With just a few ingredients, you can master the art of sourdough baking.

Ingredients:

1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (active and bubbly)

1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water

4 cups (480g) bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir until well mixed.

2.Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a       time, stirring until you form a dough.

3.Add the salt (and honey or sugar if desired)       and knead for about 10 minutes until the           dough is smooth and elastic. You can do this      by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough       hook attachment.

Step 2: First Rise

1.Shape the dough into a ball and place it into     a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean               kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

2.Let the dough rise at room temperature for       4-6 hours or until it has doubled in size. If         you're in a cooler environment, you can             leave it to rise overnight in the fridge for a         slower fermentation process.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1.Once the dough has doubled in size, punch        it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a     floured surface.

2.Gently shape the dough into a round loaf or     oblong shape, depending on your                         preference.

3.Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-       lined baking sheet or into a floured proofing     basket.

Step 4: Second Rise

1.Cover the dough again and let it rise for             another 1-2 hours, until it's puffed up and         slightly increased in size.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

1.Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a         Dutch oven or heavy baking pan inside. The     hot pan helps create steam for a crisp crust.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1.Once the dough is ready, carefully place it         into the preheated Dutch oven or on a                 baking sheet in the oven.

2.Bake for 30-35 minutes with the lid on the         Dutch oven (or cover the dough with a               roasting pan if using a baking sheet) to trap       moisture. This helps create a crispy crust.

3.After the initial baking, remove the lid or           roasting pan and bake for another 10-15             minutes, until the bread is golden brown           and sounds hollow when tapped on the             bottom.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

1.Remove the sourdough from the oven and         let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour         before slicing.

2.Once cooled, slice and enjoy your                         homemade sourdough bread with butter,         jam, or your favorite spread!

Tips for Perfect Sourdough:

• Feed your starter regularly before using it for the best rise.

• If your bread isn’t as tangy as you'd like, try allowing the dough to ferment for a longer period (overnight in the fridge).

• The bread is best when baked on a baking stone or in a Dutch oven for an extra crispy crust.

•• Enjoy your homemade, tangy, and chewy sourdough bread!