Imagine pulling a perfectly golden, crusty loaf of bread out of your oven, its tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This isn't just any bread - this is sourdough starter bread, a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a slice of pure comfort. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will guide you through creating a rustic, flavorful loaf that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of sourdough starter, 1 cup of warm water (around 100°F or 38°C), 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir gently until the starter is fully dissolved in the water.
- Add the sugar to the mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved. The sugar will help to feed the yeast in the sourdough starter.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Once the flour is incorporated, add the salt and continue to mix until the dough is cohesive and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, seam side down. Cover the pan with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the loaf is rising for the second time. This ensures that your oven is ready when the dough is finished rising.
- Once the second rise is complete, use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on the top of the loaf. This allows steam to escape and helps the bread rise evenly while baking.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy your homemade sourdough starter bread!
Tips
- Temperature is key! Ensure your water is around 100°F to activate the sourdough starter perfectly.
- Don't rush the rising process - patience creates better texture and flavor.
- Use a kitchen scale for more precise measurements if possible.
- Keep your dough in a warm, draft-free area during rising for optimal fermentation.
- The slashes on top of the bread aren't just decorative - they help steam escape and create a beautiful, even rise.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its internal moisture.
- Store your bread in a paper bag or bread box to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
