Easy Sourdough Bread
A simple and satisfying recipe for beginners to create delicious sourdough bread with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 60 g active sourdough starter Provides leavening
- 340 g water Adds moisture
- 490 g bread flour Gives structure and chew
- 10 g salt Enhances flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with the water. Stir until the starter is fully dissolved.
- Gradually add the bread flour to the water-starter mixture and mix until all the flour is hydrated.
- Sprinkle the salt over the dough and fold the dough over itself to integrate the salt evenly.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 4 to 6 hours at room temperature.
Shaping the dough
- Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a round by folding the edges towards the center.
- Place the shaped dough into a proofing basket, seam side up, and cover with a kitchen towel. Proof for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Gently flip the dough onto parchment paper, seam side down, and score the top of the dough.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for about 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once the crust is brown, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour.
Notes
Make sure your sourdough starter is active before use. Store leftovers at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.