Discover the art of making authentic sourdough bread at home. With our detailed guide, you’ll create beautiful artisan loaves with that perfect crispy crust and tender, chewy crumb.
The Magic of Sourdough
Sourdough bread is more than just a recipe – it’s a journey into traditional breadmaking. Using wild yeast and bacteria, you’ll create bread with complex flavors and better digestibility.
Essential Ingredients
- Bread flour (12-14% protein)
- Active sourdough starter
- Sea salt
- Filtered water
Equipment Needed
- Dutch oven
- Banneton basket
- Scoring lame
- Kitchen scale
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the levain:
- Mix starter with flour and water
- Let ferment for 4-6 hours
- Look for bubbles and sour aroma
- Mix the dough:
- Combine flour and water
- Autolyse for 30 minutes
- Add levain and salt
- Bulk fermentation:
- Perform stretch and folds
- Watch for dough development
- Look for 30% increase in size
Pro Tips for Perfect Sourdough
- Maintain consistent temperatures
- Use a kitchen scale for accuracy
- Watch dough behavior, not the clock
- Create steam for better crust
Troubleshooting Guide
- Dense crumb? Your starter might need feeding
- No rise? Check room temperature
- Gummy texture? Adjust hydration levels