Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe

Learn how to make delicious and crusty homemade sourdough bread with this easy recipe. With a tangy and complex flavor, this sourdough bread will be a hit at any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create your own artisanal bread at home. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a beautiful loaf of sourdough bread that will be the envy of your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough starter
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tsp salt

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. This will allow the dough to ferment and develop a deeper flavor.
4. After the fermentation period, the dough will have risen and become more elastic. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Using your hands, fold the edges of the dough towards the center to create a round shape. This will help develop the structure of the bread.
6. Place the dough seam-side down into a well-floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a clean kitchen towel. Cover with a cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a dutch oven or a baking stone in the oven to preheat as well.
8. Carefully transfer the risen dough into the hot dutch oven or onto the preheated baking stone. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or a razor blade to allow for steam release.
9. Cover the dutch oven with its lid, or if using a baking stone, place a heatproof bowl or pan over the bread to create steam. This will help give the bread a crispy crust.
10. Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid or the steam source and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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