Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe Gayathri's Cook Spot from gayathriscookspot.com
Introduction
Sourdough bread is a type of bread that is made with naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. It's a long-standing tradition that has been around for centuries, and it's still popular today. Making sourdough bread is a process that requires time and patience, but it's worth the effort. In this article, we will share with you a basic sourdough bread recipe that is easy to follow and delicious to taste.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a basic sourdough bread recipe:
500g bread flour
300g water
150g sourdough starter
10g salt
Bread Flour
Bread flour is a type of flour that is high in protein and gluten. It's essential for making bread because it gives the dough structure, making it rise and hold its shape. Bread flour is available in most grocery stores, but you can also buy it online.
Water
Water is an essential ingredient in bread making. It activates the yeast and allows the dough to rise. It's important to use filtered water or water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature.
Sourdough Starter
A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented with natural yeast and bacteria. It's what gives sourdough bread its distinctive flavor and texture. You can make your own sourdough starter or buy it from a bakery.
Salt
Salt is added to the dough for flavor and to control the fermentation process. It also helps to strengthen the gluten in the dough and improve the texture of the bread.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start making your sourdough bread.
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Mix until the dough comes together and there are no dry patches. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the flour to absorb the water and make the dough easier to work with.
Step 2: Adding the Sourdough Starter
After 30 minutes, add the sourdough starter to the dough. Mix until it's well incorporated. Cover the bowl with the towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Adding the Salt
After the dough has rested for 30 minutes, add the salt. Mix until it's well incorporated. Cover the bowl with the towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Folding the Dough
Using a dough scraper or your hands, fold the dough. Start by lifting one end of the dough and folding it over the other end. Repeat this process, rotating the bowl as you go, until the dough has been folded several times. Cover the bowl with the towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
After the dough has rested for 30 minutes, shape it into a ball. Dust a banneton or a bowl lined with a clean towel with flour. Place the dough into the banneton, seam side down. Cover it with the towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a dutch oven or a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Once the oven is heated, remove the dutch oven or baking sheet from the oven. Carefully remove the dough from the banneton and place it into the dutch oven or onto the baking sheet. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Cover the dutch oven with a lid or use a baking sheet to cover the dough. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Cooling the Bread
After 30 minutes, remove the lid or the baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for one slice of sourdough bread:
Calories: 110
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Making sourdough bread is a rewarding experience that is worth the time and effort. With this basic sourdough bread recipe, you can enjoy the unique taste and texture of sourdough bread right in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a fresh, homemade loaf of sourdough bread.
