Are you dreaming of that warm, crusty sourdough loaf, but intimidated by the process? Fear not! This recipe for a small sourdough loaf is perfect for beginners, delivering delicious results without the lengthy fermentation times often associated with larger loaves. It's the perfect blend of homemade cooking and easy recipes, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of healthy meals with minimal fuss. Get ready to experience the satisfying world of baking your own delicious bread!
Ingredients:
- Levain (Sourdough Starter Build):
- 50g mature sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 50g bread flour
- 50g water (room temperature)
- Dough:
- All of the levain
- 200g bread flour
- 100g water (room temperature)
- 4g salt
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or damp kitchen towel
- Loaf pan (approximately 5x3 inches)
- Baking sheet
- Dutch oven (optional, but recommended for a crispier crust)
- Lame or sharp knife (for scoring)
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Levain
In a small bowl, combine the mature starter, flour, and water for the levain. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Cover and let rest at room temperature (ideally 70-75°F) for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly. This step activates your starter and ensures a flavorful loaf. This is a crucial part of making your delicious dishes truly homemade.
Step 2: Autolyse
In a larger bowl, combine the flour and water for the dough. Mix until just combined and no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. This autolyse step allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a smoother dough.
Step 3: Mixing the Dough
Add the levain and salt to the autolysed dough. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. This is where the magic of homemade cooking begins!
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 2-3 hours at room temperature, performing 2-3 sets of stretch and folds during this time. Stretch and folds are simple: gently stretch a portion of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat. This process develops strength and structure in the dough.
Step 5: Shaping
Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a tight oval or oblong shape, suitable for your loaf pan.
Step 6: Proofing
Place the shaped dough into your prepared loaf pan. Cover and let proof in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. This slow cold proof enhances flavor development.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with your Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Score the dough with a lame or sharp knife, creating a decorative pattern (this helps control oven spring).
Place the loaf in the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C), remove the lid, and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F (96-99°C).
Step 8: Cooling
Remove the loaf from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying. Patience is key here! Allowing the bread to cool prevents a gummy interior.
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. This is crucial for consistent results in baking.
- Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before beginning.
- Don't overwork the dough during mixing.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven and loaf size.
Variations:
- Add herbs or seeds to the dough for added flavor.
- Use different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for a unique taste and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the flour used, but a small sourdough loaf generally provides a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Calorie count will vary. Consult a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your specific ingredients.
This small sourdough loaf recipe is a fantastic starting point for your bread-baking journey. It's a simple yet rewarding experience, offering a truly delicious and healthy addition to your meals. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!