The Basics of Sourdough Bread Making: Ingredients, Equipment, and Techniques

Posted on Mar 02, 2023

Sourdough bread has been around for thousands of years, and for good reason. It's delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly simple to make once you understand the basics. In this post, we'll cover the essential ingredients, equipment, and techniques you need to get started with sourdough bread making.

Ingredients

The beauty of sourdough bread is that it requires only a few simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

1. Flour - Choose high-quality, unbleached flour for the best results. Whole wheat flour is a popular choice, but you can also use rye, spelt, or other types of flour depending on your preference.
2. Water - Use filtered water at room temperature. Chlorine in tap water can inhibit fermentation, so it's best to use filtered or bottled water.
3. Salt - Salt is optional, but it helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
4. Sourdough starter - This is the secret ingredient that gives sourdough bread its characteristic tangy flavor. You can make your own starter from scratch using flour and water, or you can buy a starter online or from a local bakery.

Equipment

In addition to the ingredients, you'll need a few pieces of equipment to make sourdough bread:

1. Mixing bowl - Use a large mixing bowl to combine the flour, water, and starter.
2. Dough scraper - This tool helps you to knead and shape the dough without getting your hands too messy.
3. Proofing basket - This basket helps the dough to rise and take on its signature shape. You can also use a bowl lined with a floured towel as a makeshift proofing basket.
4. Dutch oven - A Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for baking sourdough bread. It traps steam inside, which helps to create a crispy crust and soft interior.

Techniques

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment, it's time to start making bread. Here are the basic steps:

1. Mix the dough - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and sourdough starter. Use your hands or a dough scraper to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 10-15 minutes. This helps to develop the gluten and create a smooth, elastic dough.
3. Proof the dough - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 6-12 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the dough - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball or a long loaf. Place it in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured towel, and let it rise for another 2-3 hours.
5. Preheat the oven - Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
6. Bake the bread - Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough inside. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough, then cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Cool the bread - Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Making sourdough bread is a satisfying and rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients, equipment, and techniques, you can create a delicious and nutritious loaf of bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking on. Plus, by using high-quality ingredients and natural regenerative farming practices, you can feel good about what you're putting into your body and supporting sustainable agriculture.

If you're interested in learning more about sourdough bread making, consider taking our online course. And if you're looking for high-quality flour, raw honey, or other natural products, be sure to check out Sunnie Daze Farm in Caddo Gap. Our products are made with love and care, and we're always happy to share our knowledge and passion for natural regenerative farming.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!