Feed a sourdough starter 4-12 hours before starting this recipe.
113 Grams Starter
Make The Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add the sourdough starter, water, and salt. Mix with a spatula to combine. Continue mixing with your spatula until the dough becomes stiff. Then with your hands finish incorporating all of the four. The dough will be a little sticky and shaggy to the touch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or a damp tea towel. Let rest for about 30 to 40 minutes.
340 Grams Water, 567 Grams Flour, 20 Grams Salt
Stretch And Folds
I usually do 3 sets of stretches and folds. To perform a stretch and fold, grasp the edge of the dough firmly and lift it upwards. Return the dough to the center of the bowl. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this process one to two more times. This completes one round of stretch and fold.
Do this twice more spaced about 30 minutes to an 1 hour apart.
Bulk Ferment
Cover the dough with a plastic wrap very damp towel. Put it in a warm spot in your kitchen and let it bulk ferment until it doubles in size. Look for bubbles on the surface as a sign of readiness. This could take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
Shaping
Turn the dough onto a very lightly floured surface carefully trying not to knock air out (tip bowl over and let gravity to the work)
Use your hands to gently deflate the dough and pat it into a rectangular shape. Lift the right side of the dough and fold it into the center (almost as if you were closing a book). Then, lift the left side of the dough and fold it over the first fold.
Starting with a skinny end, tightly roll the dough, as if you were rolling up a cinnamon roll. Tuck the ends under and carefully.
Flip the dough over and place it seam-side down. Using your hands, gently cup the sides of the dough and rotate it, using quarter turns in a circular motion tightening the surface of the ball. You can also pull it towards you to even out the shape.
Now transfer your dough to a floured banneton Basket and cover with a tea towel.
Leave for 1 to 2 hours to rise or overnight in the fridge.
Baking
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and score the top about 1/4 to 1/21 inch deep.
Place into a cold Dutch oven and place the lid on top.
Place into the center of a cold oven and set the temperature to 250°C and bake for 40 minutes.
Now turn the oven temperature down to 200°C
Remove the lid and continue to bake for a further 15 minutes uncovered.
Remove your sourdough bread from the oven, and cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Resting and Cooling: Allow the baked sourdough bread to rest on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This helps redistribute moisture for a softer crumb and easier slicing.
Experimentation: Sourdough baking can vary based on environmental factors and flour types. Don’t hesitate to adjust timings and techniques to suit your kitchen and preferences.
Storage: Store cooled sourdough bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain freshness. Avoid plastic bags, which can make the crust soft. Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread within a few days for optimal taste and texture.