At the start of 2024, I set a goal to finally master sourdough baking. It wasn’t an easy road – there were flat loaves and dense crumbs, but with each fail, I learned. And now? I can confidently say I’ve got the hang of it.
Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
100g active sourdough starter
500g strong white flour
350g water (adjust as needed)
10g salt
METHOD:
1. Mix & Autolyse
In a bowl, dissolve the starter in the water by stirring.
Add the flour and mix until no dry bits remain.
Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Note: Different flours absorb water differently—you may need to add 10-30g more water if
the dough feels too tight.
2. Add Salt & Knead
Sprinkle 10g salt over the dough and add the remaining water.
Lightly knead for about 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Stretch & Folds
Perform stretch & folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
The dough should strengthen and become more elastic with each fold.
You’ll need 4-6 folds, depending on the dough’s development.
4. Bulk Fermentation
Cover and let it rise until it increases by about 50%.
Fermentation time depends on your starter strength and kitchen temperature—colder rooms
will take longer.
5. Bench Rest
Gently shape the dough into a round and let it rest for 20-40 minutes.
6. Final Shaping & Proofing
Shape the dough and place it into a banneton (proofing basket).
Cover and move it to the fridge for overnight cold proofing.
7. Scoring & Baking
The next day, remove the dough from the fridge and place it on parchment paper.
Score the surface with a sharp knife or scoring tool.
Preheat the oven to 230°C, with a Dutch oven inside.
8. Bake:
Place the dough in the preheated Dutch oven and bake 30 minutes with the lid on at 230°C.
Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes at 200°C until golden and crisp.
Let it cool completely before slicing—enjoy your homemade sourdough!
There’s something special about baking with just flour, water, a bit of salt and time. The process slows you down, connects you to something simple and timeless. And the reward? A clean ingredient list and bread full of flavour!
If you want to try Sourdough bread but struggling with a bread started, you can buy my dehydrated sourdough bread starter for a simple and easy start.
Happy Baking!
Love,
Egle
