Delightful Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of all-purpose flour with 10 grams of salt. In a separate bowl, mix the 350 grams of lukewarm water with the 100 grams of sourdough starter until well combined.

Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Make sure all flour is incorporated; it’s okay if the mixture looks a bit sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and begin to knead. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Once done, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise at room temperature for about 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean, floured surface. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Note: Be careful not to over-knead it at this stage!

Place the shaped loaf onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest for another 30 minutes.

About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). If you are using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat up as well.

Carefully transfer the loaf (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven, or onto a baking sheet. Make a few shallow cuts on top of the loaf to allow for expansion during baking.

Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the interior to set properly!

Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread with your favorite spreads or simply butter.