Discover the timeless art of bread-making with our Original Sourdough Bread Recipe. This classic recipe is a celebration of tradition, taste, and the natural fermentation process that has been used for generations to create wholesome, tangy, and rustic sourdough bread. Baking your own sourdough bread from scratch is a rewarding and delightful culinary journey, and with this recipe, you'll be guided through each step to achieve that coveted homemade taste and aroma.

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Ingredients

70g active starter

12g salt

440g warmed water

600g bread flour

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 70g of active sourdough starter, 440g of lukewarm water, and 12g of salt. Whisk until the start is dissolved into the water giving a milky appearance.

2. Add 600g of bread flour to your starter mixture and whisk together. 

3. Whisk the mixture into a shaggy dough, which should be slightly sticky but not excessively so. A shaggy dough should be well mixed with no dry spots of flour but a rough texture.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for an hour before beginning your series of gentle stretches and folds. You will do 4 sets of stretch and folds in the dough every 30 minutes to develop its structure.

5. After the stretch and folds are complete cover the bowl with a clean cloth or shower cap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 4-8 hours.

6. Once the dough has roughly doubled in size and has a light, airy texture, transfer it to a clean surface to laminate and preshape into a round loaf. Once preshaping is complete let rest for 30mins before final shape. After 30 mins do final shape

7. Place the shaped loaf in a floured proofing basket or a clean cloth-lined bowl. Cover and cold proof in the refrigerator for an additional 12-14 hours, however, they can stay in the fridge for up to 36 hours.

8. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven or a pizza stone inside.

9. Use your bread lame to score the loaf to allow for the bread to expand and to add decorative designs.

10. Carefully transfer the risen sourdough loaf into the preheated pot and cover with the lid or onto the pizza stone (if you are using the open bake method). 

11. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and reduce the heat to 475°F (246°C). Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

12. Allow the bread to cool before slicing. Enjoy the aroma, taste, and satisfaction of your homemade Original Sourdough Bread.

This Original Sourdough Bread Recipe is a testament to the joys of traditional bread-making, allowing you to savor the distinctive flavor and texture of sourdough in each slice. With patience and dedication, you can create a mouthwatering, crusty loaf that's perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with your favorite spreads. Share the love of fresh, homemade bread with family and friends, and relish the simplicity and satisfaction of crafting your own sourdough masterpiece.