Sourdough Bread Recipe

 

Sourdough Bread Recipe

 Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 1½ cups lukewarm water
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 2 tsp salt

 Step-by-Step method

1. Mix the dough 

In a large bowl, combine starter + water. Mix well. Add flour and salt, then mix until a rough dough forms.

2. Rest (Autolyse)

Cover and let it rest for 30–60 minutes. This helps gluten develop.

3. Stretch & fold

Instead of kneading, stretch one side of the dough and fold it over. Rotate and repeat 4–5 times.

Do this every 30 minutes for 2 hours.

4. Bulk fermentation

Cover and leave the dough at room temperature for 6–8 hours (until it doubles and looks airy).

 5. Shape the dough

Lightly flour a surface, shape the dough into a round ball.

 6. Final proof 

Place in a bowl, cover, and let it rise again for 1–2 hours (or overnight in fridge for better flavor).

 7. Bake 

• Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F)
• Put a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) inside while heating
• Place dough inside, score the top
• Bake:
• 20 minutes covered
• 20–25 minutes uncovered

 Tips for better results

1. Starter should be bubbly and active before using
2. If your kitchen is warm (like in Punjab), fermentation may happen faster
3. Don’t rush the rise—it’s key for flavor
4. Use a deep pot to get that crispy crust