Description
Enjoy the tangy flavor and chewy texture of homemade sourdough bread, made with just four simple ingredients and minimal hands-on work.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 1⅔ cups (375 g) warm water
- 1 cup (200 g) active sourdough starter
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) salt
Instructions
- Mix flour and water in a large bowl until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Add the active sourdough starter and salt to the dough, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature. Every 30 minutes for 2 hours, perform gentle stretch-and-folds.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, shape into a loaf, and place seam-side up in a proofing basket. Refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
- Preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C) about 30 minutes before the end of the cold proof.
- Score the dough and lower it into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 25 minutes until golden.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 1–2 hours before slicing.
Notes
For a crustier loaf, brush with water before scoring or add steam in the first few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian