Ingredients
- Sourdough Starter: 5.3 oz (150 g)
- Water: 24.7 oz (700 g)
- Bread Flour: 31.7 oz (900 g)
- Salt: 0.63 oz (18 g)
Instructions
1. Autolyse:
- In a large bowl, mix 24.7 oz (700 g) of water with 31.7 oz (900 g) of bread flour until the flour is fully hydrated.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow gluten to develop.
2. Mix:
- Add 5.3 oz (150 g) of your newly fed sourdough starter to the dough and mix until fully incorporated.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting, add 0.63 oz (18 g) of salt to the dough, and mix well until the salt is fully dissolved.
3. Bulk Fermentation:
- Perform 3-4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over the next 2-3 hours to help with gluten development.
- Let the dough rest, covered, at room temperature until it has nearly doubled in size (3-5 hours).
4. Shaping:
- After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf and let the loaves rest for 20-30 minutes.
5. Final Proof:
- Place the loaves in proofing baskets, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours for a cold retard. This step will enhance flavor and develop a crunchier crust.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside for at least 45 minutes.
7. Score and Bake:
- Transfer the dough to parchment paper, score the top, and place it in the Dutch oven or on the baking stone.
- Reduce the temperature to 475°F (245°C) and bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown.
8. Cool:
- Let the loaves cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including autolyse and mixing)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes