If you've ever felt that primal urge to bake bread, then your journey to sourdough heaven starts here! With a delightful balance of tanginess and crunch, this recipe will turn your kitchen into a bakery. Plus, managing your sourdough starter becomes a delightful routine. Perfect for those leisurely weekends at home where the smell of freshly baked bread draws everyone's attention.
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of activated sourdough starter with 1 1/2 cups of water.
Add 4 cups of bread flour gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over it.
Knead the dough lightly in the bowl to incorporate the salt.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
Place the loaf onto a floured proofing basket or bowl and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up for 30 minutes.
Carefully flip the dough into the hot Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp knife, and cover with the lid.
Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.