Name: Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour (500 g); 1 ½ cups water (350 ml); 2 teaspoons sea salt (10 g); ½ cup sourdough starter (100 g); Optional: chia seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, fresh or dried herbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese

Description

A beginner-friendly recipe for crafting soft and chewy sourdough bread at home.

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour (500 g)
1 ½ cups water (350 ml)
2 teaspoons sea salt (10 g)
½ cup sourdough starter (100 g)
Optional: chia seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, fresh or dried herbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sea salt, and sourdough starter. Mix until no dry flour remains.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Wet your hands and gently stretch and fold the dough in the bowl 4-5 times, repeating this every 30 minutes for two hours.
Cover the bowl again and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours until doubled in size.
Lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into a round ball. Place it seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a towel.
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or refrigerate overnight for slower fermentation.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place your Dutch oven inside to preheat for 30 minutes.
Turn your dough onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp knife, and transfer to the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for best results. Experiment with hydration levels and ingredients for different textures and flavors.