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Easy Sourdough Loaf

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  • Author: lucia
  • Prep Time: 120 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 170 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

An approachable recipe for a delicious sourdough loaf that combines tradition and creativity.


Ingredients

  • 125 grams (or 1 cup) of active starter
  • 325 grams (or 1 1/4 cup) of room temperature filtered or bottled water
  • 500 grams (or 4 cups) of flour
  • 10 grams (or 2 tsp) of salt


Instructions

  1. In a large glass bowl, mix the flour and water until a sticky dough forms. Cover with a bowl cover, plastic wrap, or a wet towel. Let it rest for one hour.
  2. Add the active starter and salt to the dough. Mix with wet hands until fully combined. The dough will appear shaggy.
  3. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest for another hour.
  4. Perform four sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart. This builds the dough’s strength.
  5. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit on the counter until it doubles in size, which may take several hours depending on the temperature.
  6. Once doubled, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball using the push-and-pull technique.
  7. Place the dough into a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured tea towel, seam-side up. Optionally, cover and refrigerate overnight or proceed to baking.
  8. Preheat your Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C).
  9. Flip the dough onto parchment paper and sprinkle the top with rice flour.
  10. Score the top of the dough using a lame.
  11. Place the dough in the preheated Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and reduce the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the bread reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).
  13. Let the loaf cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Experiment with hydration levels and keep dough in a warm place for optimal rising.