Simple Sourdough

Why choose Sourdough?

If you've ever wondered why sourdough bread is so beloved, you're not alone. Its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite, but the benefits go beyond taste! Sourdough offers gut-friendly properties thanks to its fermentation process. During this process, healthy bacteria break down gluten and other sugars in the dough, allowing for easier digestion compared to regular bread. This means all the flavor, with added health perks!

Sourdough Recipe

Servings: 20

Time: 2 hours then overnight

Ready to dive into making your own sourdough? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started on your baking journey. You'll love the process and, most importantly, the delicious smell that will waft through your home!

Ingredients:

• 458g white bread flour

• 62g whole wheat (or rye/spelt for variations)

• 385g lukewarm (filtered) water (72-78 degrees F or 22-25 degrees C)

• 90g active sourdough starter

• 12g fine salt (I prefer Celtic or Kosher)

• Optional seeds (1 tsp fennel, 1/2 tsp caraway, 1 tbs chia)

• Extra flour to dust the (kitchen) surface

Instructions:

1. The party starts the day before, make sure your starter is alive and well fed. So you at least have enough discard to use for the bread. *If you've never made sourdough starter before, I do have a recipe on my website. You can choose to make it at home or buy a starter from etsy, Facebook market place etc.

2. Make sure you let your starter rise on room temperature to at least double in size. Ratio 1 part water to 1 part bread flour.

3. In a large (stainless steel) mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and optional seeds.

4. In a separate bowl combine the water and the sourdough starter until it forms a milk consistency.

5. Then stir in the wet mixture to the flour mix. Combine this well with a sturdy fork or bakers dough whisk.

6. Cover with a wet towel and let it rest in warm place. *tip for the winter days, place in oven with just the light on. Let it rest for about 15 minutes so the flour can absorb the water.

7. After 15 min, wet your hands with water and start your first stretch and fold. Do this by taking little pieces up from the dough and fold over. Circle around until every part of the dough got at least one stretch and fold. The dough should feel firm and elastic, and won't have much more to give.

8. Cover again with a wet towel, and rest in a warm spot for an additional 15 min.

9. Repeat step 7

10. Rest in a warm spot overnight (8 to 12 hours or until doubled in size) *The flavor of the sourdough increases the longer it ferments. Keep the dough in the same stainless steal mixing bowl. *Make sure the towel that covers the dough is super moist.

11. Good morning! Preheat your oven to 500F and place a Dutch oven inside. Once your dough is all risen and looking beautiful, you'll wet your hands and gently fold out the dough on a well floured surface.

12. Now flour your hands. And gently stretch out the dough into a square, then fold small pieces from the outside corners to the middle. Then roll the dough and pinch the outside top and bottom.

13. Roll the dough keeping your hands in a cup, slowly move the dough in a circular movement so it becomes a tight ball. Score the dough in a pattern to your liking, at least half inch deep through the middle so the bread can breath.

14. Now lower the oven temperature to 450F, carefully transfer the dough in to the preheated Dutch oven.

15. Bake with the lid on for 18 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

16. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!

Macros per slice

• Calories: 118

• Carbs: 21g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 1g

Now let’s talk about those macros! A typical slice of sourdough bread (about 30g) contains approximately 80 calories, 15g of carbs, 3g of protein, and less than 1g of fat. While carbs are present, don’t fret! The fermentation process enhances the nutritional content, and the presence of healthy bacteria aids in digestion. This means that sourdough can be a part of your healthy lifestyle and weight loss journey!

So, the next time you're questioning if carbs count, remember: the friendly bacteria in sourdough are working hard to transform those sugars into something more digestible! It’s not only a delightful addition to your meals but also a smart choice for your gut health.