How to Make Your Own Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is a type of bread that is made with natural yeast and bacteria that ferment the dough and give it a tangy flavor. Sourdough bread is also healthier than regular bread, as it has more nutrients, lower gluten, and easier digestion. If you want to make your own sourdough bread, you will need some basic ingredients and equipment, as well as some patience and time. Here are the steps to make your own sourdough bread:
- First, you need to make a sourdough starter, which is a mixture of flour and water that contains the yeast and bacteria that will leaven your bread. To make a starter, mix one cup of whole wheat flour and one cup of water in a glass jar. Cover the jar loosely with a cloth or a lid, and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. The next day, discard half of the mixture, and add another half cup of flour and half cup of water. Stir well, and let it sit for another 24 hours. Repeat this process for about a week, until you see bubbles and a sour smell in your starter. You can then use your starter to make bread, or store it in the fridge and feed it once a week with the same amount of flour and water.
- Second, you need to make the dough for your bread. To make one loaf of bread, you will need three cups of all-purpose flour, one and a half teaspoons of salt, one cup of water, and a quarter cup of your sourdough starter. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. In a small bowl, mix the water and starter together. Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead it for about 15 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about four hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Third, you need to shape and proof your bread. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release some of the air. Then, shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaf loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise again at room temperature for about two hours, or until it puffs up slightly.
- Fourth, you need to bake your bread. Preheat your oven to 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit), and place an empty metal pan on the bottom rack. When the oven is hot, slash the top of your loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade, making one or more cuts about half an inch deep. This will help the bread expand in the oven and create a crusty surface. Then, place your baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven, and pour one cup of hot water into the metal pan below. This will create steam in the oven that will also help the bread develop a crusty surface. Bake your bread for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer your bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
