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Sour Dough Loaf

Equipment

  • Large oven-proof pot with lid
  • Kitchen scale
  • Parchment paper
  • Glass jar with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 50 g (1/4) Cup active sour dough starter
  • 350 g (1 1/3 C + 2 tbsp warm water
  • 500 g (4 Cups + 2 tbsp) bread flour
  • 9 g (1.5 tsp) fine sea salt

To Replenish Starter

  • 60 g active sour dough starter
  • 60 g water
  • 60 g unbleached flour

Instructions
 

  • 1. 1. In the Middle of the day before wanting to bake bread: Take starter from the refrigerator. Using a scale with a jar set on top and set to “0”. Measure 60 g starter. Take scale to “0” again. Measure in 60 g water and stir. Take scale to “0” and add 60 g flour and stir. Loosely cover and set on counter until 6-10 PM. (I like to set under my under-counter light)

Make the Dough: 

  • 2. In the evening, set a 8 1/2” bowl on the scale and set to “0”. Add 50g starter. Set scale to “0”. Add 350 g warm water and mix together thoroughly. Set scale to “0”. Stir in 500 g bread flour and 9 g or 1 1/2 tsp salt. Finish mixing by hand to fully incorporate the flour. 
  • 3. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. 
  • 4. Take this time to replenish your starter with fresh water and flour in a new jar. (I print the date on jar)
  • 5. After dough has rested, work into a smooth ball . Grab a portion of the dough and fold it over, pressing your fingertips into the center. Repeat, working your way around the ball until it tightens - about 15 seconds.

Bulk Rise: 

  • 6. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rise overnight (8-10 hours) at room temperature - approximately 70 degrees. The dough is ready when it has doubled in size.

Shape:

  • In the morning, move the dough to a lightly floured cutting board. (I also flour my hands) Repeat the pull and press function from the previous night. Flip the dough over and let it rest 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile line a bowl with a towel dusted with flour (or use a proofing bowl) and lift dough into it, seam side up. 

Second Rise:

  • Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 - 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the size of you baking pot, leaving excess room around the sides.

Score:

  • Place the parchment over the dough and invert the bowl to release. Sprinkle th dough with flour and gently rub the surface with your hands. Using the tip of a small, serrated knife or a razor blade, score the dough with an “X”. 

BAKE:

  • Cover dough with lid and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 30 minutes.Remove and let cool for 1 hour. Sourdough is best consumed on the same day it is baked. Store at room temperature in a plastic bag for one day. 

Notes

  • If we don’t consume in one day (which is hard), I slice and freeze. You can also make croutons and freeze. 
  • This may seem complicated at first glance, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it makes sense.