Simple white sourdough loaf recipe
- 500 g (17.6oz) starter from above
- 240 g (8.5oz) strong white flour
- 10 g (0.4oz) salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 10 g (0.4oz) dried yeast
- 450 ml (15.8fl oz) pint water
- 375 g (13.2oz) strong white flour
- For the starter: mix the yeast, water and flour together and put in a glass bowl, covered with a tea towel, leaving at room temperature for 3-5 days until it bubbles and smells slightly vinegary.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon 2-3 times per day.
- For the dough: put the flour and the salt in a large bowl and mix in the starter along with enough warm water to make a soft dough.
- Knead on a flat surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Put in a clean bowl and cover with clingfilm.
- Leave in a warm place to rise until roughly doubled in size - this can take 2-3 hours depending on the temperature and how vigorous the yeasts are.
- Turn back on to the surface and knock back.
- Rest the dough for 10 minutes then shape into a round.
- Put in a well-floured basket to rise.
- This should take about 1 1/2 hours but don't panic if it takes longer.
- Build up the fire in the oven until it is about 230C/450F which will take about 50 minutes.
- When it is up to temperature, push the fire to the back of the oven with your metal peel or coal hook
- Open the oven door and turn the dough gently out of the basket on to a well-floured wooden peel.
- Slash the top with a sharp knife, place the dough on the floor of the oven and bake with the door shut for 30-40 minutes.
- Put your oven gloves on and open the door.
- Using the wooden peel, bring the loaf out of the oven and tap the base to make sure it sounds hollow - this is a sign that it is cooked.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving with good butter and homemade jam.
flour, salt, water, yeast, water, white flour
Taken from www.lovefood.com/guide/recipes/17052/simple-white-sourdough-loaf-recipe (may not work)