Classic Sourdough
Prep Time: 8 - 36 hours
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
500 g bread flour. May use up to 50% wheat flour.
We have also had success with Einkorn flour and Hard Red Wheat.
100 g sourdough starter.
375 g water
11 g sea salt
Sesame seeds (optional)
Cornstarch to sprinkle on pan
Instructions
Mix the Dough
Combine 100g of active sourdough starter and 375 g of water. Stir to mix. Add 500g of bread flour and mix until its moist throughout. Cover with a damp towel. Let it rest for 30 - 45 minutes.
Add Salt
Sprinkle 10 - 12 g of sea salt over the dough. I like to dimple the dough first and stretch and fold as I distribute the salt. Gently mix the dough to incorporate. You may need to wet your hands to prevent sticking. once combined, Begin folding the dough by lifting and folding the edges towards the center.
Bulk Fermentation
Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 6 hours. Stretch and fold every 30 minutes for the first two hours. To stretch and fold: Grab one side of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it over the rest of the dough. Rotate the bowl and repeat on all four sides.
Shape the Dough
Plop the dough out of the bowl and onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf. Let the dough rest for 20 - 30 minutes then shape it one more time for structure.
Final Proof
Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing bakset or a glass gowl with a lid. Cover and let it proof in the refrigerater for 8 - 36 hours. More time proofing will result in a bolder flavor.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees farenheit and preheat baking vessels for about 30 minutes
*if adding sesame seeds, spray loaf with water and sprinkle seeds on it while the oven preheats.
Score and Bake
Take the dough out of the fridge, flip it out onto a floured surface. Score with a sharp blade. Sprinkle cornstarch onto preheated baking vessels and ut dough in the oven on preheated baking vessels.
Bake
Bake at 500 degrees, or lower if your baking vessel has a lower maximum temperature that it can be used at.
If using a dutch oven: Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on and then 25 minutes with the lid off.
If open baking: Place a second sheet pan under the bread in the oven and add two cups of water. Bake for 50 - 55 minutes.
Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.