Perfect Sourdough Bread

Ingredients:

For the Sourdough Starter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For the Sourdough Bread:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Cooking Steps:

For the Sourdough Starter:

Step 1: In a glass or plastic container, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Cover the container loosely with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours, stirring once or twice a day. The mixture should become bubbly and have a slightly tangy aroma.

For the Sourdough Bread:

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of active sourdough starter with 3 cups of bread flour and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

Step 4: Gradually add 1 and 1/2 cups of lukewarm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 5: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a covered Dutch oven inside to heat.

Step 8: Gently shape the risen dough into a round loaf and transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.

Step 9: Carefully place the parchment paper and dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 10: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the bread has a golden-brown crust.

Step 11: Allow the Perfect Sourdough Bread to cool completely before slicing.

Step 12: Enjoy slices of your homemade Perfect Sourdough Bread with your favorite toppings or spreads.

Experience the satisfaction of baking a beautiful and flavorful loaf of Perfect Sourdough Bread that's sure to impress your taste buds and those lucky enough to share it with you!