Easy and Quick Sourdough Recipe

 Easy and Quick Sourdough Recipe

I rewrote and rewrote this recipe till I got it the way I wanted it.  You have to consider the climate that you in to determine how much water or bread to add to your recipe, but as a base amount I will add amount of flour as shown above the add the water in until I get my desired texture. 

 The Tale of Sourdough Magic

Title: Quick & Easy Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

Introduction:

Welcome to our kitchen, where we're about to embark on a delightful journey into the world of sourdough bread-making! Today, we're whipping up a quick and easy artisan sourdough bread that boasts all the flavor and texture of traditional sourdough but with a fraction of the time and effort. With just four simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you'll be enjoying freshly baked sourdough bread in no time.

Ingredients:

500g bread flour (plus extra for dusting)

350g water

200g unfed sourdough starter (100% hydration)

10g salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period, known as autolyse, helps the flour fully hydrate and improves the dough's texture.

Incorporate the Sourdough Starter:

After the autolyse, add the unfed sourdough starter to the dough. Using your hands or a dough scraper, gently fold and knead the starter into the dough until it's fully incorporated. This step introduces the distinctive sourdough flavor and contributes to the bread's rise.

Add Salt:

Sprinkle the salt over the dough and continue kneading until it's evenly distributed. Salt not only enhances the flavor of the bread but also helps to regulate the fermentation process.

Bulk Fermentation:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough ferment at room temperature for about 4-6 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop its characteristic sourdough flavor. You can also perform a few sets of stretch and folds during the first couple of hours to strengthen the dough's structure.

Pre-shape and Rest:

Once the bulk fermentation is complete, gently remove the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a round loaf. Place the loaves seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a proofing basket, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rest for 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:

While the loaves are resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or baking stone on the middle rack to heat up. Preheating the oven and baking vessel ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops a crispy crust.

Bake the Bread:

Once the loaves have finished resting, carefully transfer them to the preheated Dutch oven or baking stone. If using a Dutch oven, cover it with the lid. Bake the bread for 20 minutes covered, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Enjoy:

Once baked, transfer the sourdough loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. As tempting as it may be, allowing the bread to cool ensures that the interior finishes setting and prevents it from becoming gummy. Once cooled, slice into thick slices, slather with butter, and enjoy the delicious flavor and texture of your homemade artisan sourdough bread!

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've just mastered the art of making quick and easy artisan sourdough bread. With just four simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy freshly baked sourdough bread whenever the craving strikes. Whether enjoyed on its own, toasted with your favorite toppings, or used to make a hearty sandwich, this bread is sure to impress with its robust sourdough flavor and rustic appearance. Happy baking!

 

 The Science and Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread:

Yo, let's talk about sourdough bread – not just your average loaf, but a real game-changer in the world of urban eats. This bread isn't just about flavor; it's packing some serious science and health perks that'll make you rethink your carb game. So, grab your avocados and get ready to dive into the world of sourdough swagger.

1. Gut-Friendly Vibes:

Sourdough bread isn't just cool; it's also easier on your gut. Thanks to its natural fermentation process, it's like a party in your stomach, breaking down complex stuff like gluten and making it way friendlier for digestion. So, if your belly isn't always down with gluten, sourdough might just be your new bestie.

2. Nutrient Power-Up:

Get ready to level up your nutrient game with sourdough bread. That fermentation magic not only makes it easier to digest but also supercharges the bioavailability of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc. It's like upgrading your bread to VIP status for your body.

3. Keeping it Low-Key:

Who needs blood sugar spikes when you can keep it chill with sourdough bread? With its lower glycemic index, it's the bread that won't leave you crashing after brunch. Slow fermentation means slow digestion, so you can keep that energy level steady and slay all day.

4. Gut Squad Goals:

Meet the ultimate bread squad: the lactic acid bacteria and wild yeast in sourdough starter. They're like the OG prebiotics, keeping your gut microbiome happy and thriving. A healthy gut means better digestion, a stronger immune system, and vibes that are on point.

5. Breaking Down Barriers:

Say goodbye to nutrient blockers with sourdough bread. It's all about breaking down those pesky phytates during fermentation, so your body can soak up minerals like a boss. That calcium and magnesium? They're yours for the taking.

6. Preservation Party:

Forget about funky preservatives – sourdough bread knows how to keep it fresh without the chemicals. Thanks to its acidic vibes, it's like a natural barrier against mold and bad bacteria. Your loaf stays fresher, longer, without any added nasties.

7. Flavor Explosion:

Let's talk taste. Sourdough bread isn't just bread; it's a flavor experience. That tangy kick and complex aroma? That's all thanks to the fermentation process, cooking up some seriously delicious compounds like acetic acid and ethyl acetate. It's not just bread; it's a culinary masterpiece.

So, there you have it – that's the tea on sourdough bread, straight outta my kitchen. It's more than just carbs; it's a lifestyle. So, next time you're craving something tasty and nutritious, reach for that sourdough swagger and let the good vibes roll.

Artisan Sourdough Bread Facts and Recipe

 https://alexandracooks.com/2017/10/24/artisan-sourdough-made-simple-sourdough-bread-demystified-a-beginners-guide-to-sourdough-baking/