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How-To Make Your Own Sourdough Starter (in 5 days!) | Plus Two Bread Recipes

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Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen
Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen
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Recipes in this Video

3 recipes

Sourdough bread has a rich history dating back thousands of years, originating from ancient Egypt. It became a staple in many cultures due to its unique flavor and long shelf life, achieved through natural fermentation. Today, sourdough is celebrated for its tangy taste and chewy texture, making it a favorite among artisan bakers and home cooks alike. Its resurgence in popularity reflects a growing interest in traditional baking methods and the health benefits of fermented foods.

Ingredients

  • sourdough starter
  • bread flour
  • water
  • salt
  • sugar
  • yeast
  • olive oil
  • cornmeal
  • rye flour
  • barley malt
  • honey
  • milk
  • butter
  • seeds
  • herbs
  • spices

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the sourdough starter by feeding it with equal parts flour and water, letting it sit until bubbly.
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, rye flour, and salt.
  3. 3Add the sourdough starter and water to the flour mixture, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. 4Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. 5Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 4-6 hours.
  6. 6Punch down the dough gently to release air, then shape it into a round loaf.
  7. 7Place the shaped loaf on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet or in a proofing basket.
  8. 8Cover and let rise again for 2-3 hours until puffy.
  9. 9Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or Dutch oven inside.
  10. 10Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
  11. 11Transfer the loaf to the hot baking stone or Dutch oven, and add steam by placing a pan of water in the oven.
  12. 12Bake for 30-40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. 13Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Ingredient Alternatives

bread flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while all-purpose flour is often more affordable.

sourdough starter

Cheaper: commercial yeast

Commercial yeast is easier to find and faster to use, but lacks the depth of flavor.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers healthy fats, while vegetable oil is typically less expensive.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free, and margarine is usually cheaper.

Techniques

kneadingproofingscoringbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking sheetproofing basketsharp knifebaking stone or Dutch ovenwire rack
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutenmilkeggs

Also Known As

Artisan SourdoughCountry Bread

Sourdough bread has a rich history, believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. It is made through a natural fermentation process using wild yeast and bacteria, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor. This method of bread-making has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among home bakers seeking to create artisanal loaves. Sourdough is often celebrated for its crusty exterior and chewy interior, making it a versatile bread for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals.

Ingredients

  • sourdough starter
  • flour
  • water
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Mix sourdough starter with water in a large bowl.
  2. 2Add flour and salt to the mixture and stir until combined.
  3. 3Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  5. 5Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a proofing basket.
  6. 6Allow the dough to proof for several hours before baking.
  7. 7Preheat the oven with a baking stone inside.
  8. 8Transfer the dough onto the baking stone and score the top.
  9. 9Bake until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. 10Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Ingredient Alternatives

flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour is more nutritious, while all-purpose flour is often cheaper.

Techniques

mixingkneadingproofingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlproofing basketbaking stoneovenwire rack
gluten

Also Known As

SourdoughArtisan Bread

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. 3Add the melted butter and egg to the flour mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture.
  4. 4Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. 5Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. 6Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
  7. 7Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  8. 8Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the rim of the pan.
  9. 9Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 10Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

mixing bowlloaf panmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsdamp clothwire rack

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