Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
Sourdough bread has been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries. It’s certainly cherished among homesteaders who love cooking from scratch. After all, this delicious bread has a unique tangy flavor, chewy texture, and super crusty crust. With the rise of home baking, many people are eager to try their hand at making their own homemade sourdough bread.
We’ll walk you through the process of creating your own sourdough starter from scratch and using it to bake a mouthwatering loaf.
What Is a Sourdough Starter?
At the heart of every sourdough bread recipe lies the sourdough starter. It’s a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. These microorganisms ferment the mixture, producing bubbles of carbon dioxide that leaven the bread.
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How to Make a Sourdough Starter
To create your own sourdough starter, you’ll need just two ingredients: flour and water. Begin by combining equal parts of flour and water in a clean glass jar. Stir until well mixed, then loosely cover the jar with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Place the jar in a warm spot in your kitchen, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
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Feeding Your Sourdough Starter
Over the next several days, you’ll need to feed your sourdough starter to encourage the growth of wild yeast and bacteria. To do this, discard about half of the starter and then add equal parts flour and water to the remaining mixture. Stir well and cover the jar again.
Repeat this process once or twice a day, discarding and feeding your starter, until it becomes active and bubbly. This usually takes about 5-7 days, although it can vary depending on the temperature and environment of your kitchen.
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When is Your Sourdough Starter is Ready?
To test if your sourdough starter is ready to use, perform the float test. Simply drop a small spoonful of the starter into a glass of water. If it floats, it’s ready to be used in your bread dough. If it sinks, continue feeding it for another day or two until it passes the float test.
How to Make Homemade Sourdough
Once your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, it’s time to bake your bread. Here’s how to get started.
Equipment Needed
- Kitchen scale
- Mixing bowls
- Bread pan
| Nicewell Food Scale | WHYSKO Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls | JoyJolt Glass Loaf Pan |
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| BUY ON AMAZON | BUY ON AMAZON | BUY ON AMAZON |
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Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 grams Active sourdough starter (about 2 cups)
- 500 grams Bread flour (about 4 cups)
- 10 grams Salt (about 2 teaspoons)
- 300 ml Lukewarm water (about 1 1/4 cups)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water. Mix until well combined.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, shape it into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased bread pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 2-3 hours, or until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, then bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Ready to Try Your Hand at Homemade Sourdough Bread?
Making homemade sourdough bread is a rewarding and satisfying process that allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional bread right in your own kitchen. By following these simple steps to create your own sourdough starter and bake a loaf, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a sourdough aficionado.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of freshly baked sourdough bread.