The Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough: How to Get Started
Sourdough baking has taken the world by storm, and for good reason! With its tangy flavor, crisp crust, and airy crumb, homemade sourdough bread is a rewarding (and delicious) skill to master. If you're new to sourdough, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started!
What Is Sourdough?
Sourdough is a naturally leavened bread, meaning it doesn’t rely on commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it uses a fermented mixture of flour and water called a starter, which contains wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. This process not only gives sourdough its signature taste but also makes it easier to digest!
Step 1: Making Your Sourdough Starter
A sourdough starter is essential for baking sourdough bread. Here’s how to make one:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (60g) whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (60ml) filtered water
Instructions:
Mix the flour and water in a glass or plastic container.
Cover loosely with a lid or cloth and let it sit at room temperature.
Every 24 hours, discard half and feed with the same amount of flour and water.
After 5-7 days, it should be bubbly and have a tangy aroma—your starter is ready!
Step 2: Baking Your First Loaf
Once your starter is active, it’s time to bake!
Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe:
Ingredients:
500g (4 cups) bread flour
350g (1 1/2 cups) filtered water
100g (1/2 cup) active sourdough starter
10g (2 tsp) salt
Instructions:
Mix: Combine flour, water, and starter. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Add salt: Mix in the salt and knead for a few minutes.
Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rest for 4-6 hours, folding every 30 minutes.
Shape: Shape the dough into a round and place in a floured bowl. Try the Cotton Rope Banneton Bread Proofing Bread Basket with Liners & Covers for Artisan Bread Final Proof: Cover and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then another 20 minutes uncovered.
Cool: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Common Beginner Mistakes & Tips
Not feeding the starter consistently: Keep a regular feeding schedule to maintain an active starter.
Not letting the dough ferment long enough: Sourdough takes time! Be patient with the process.
Skipping the preheat: A hot oven and Dutch oven create the best rise and crust.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough baking is a journey, but don’t be intimidated! With practice, you’ll master the art of sourdough and enjoy fresh, homemade bread straight from your kitchen.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! Happy baking!
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