Jul 6, 2006

Sourdough Bread

Well my starter was finally ready for use a couple days ago so I decided to make a simple sourdough bread recipe I found in The Complete Tightwad Gazette. I have made this bread in the past and was always happy with the results. This recipe is very easy although it does take quite a long time. It's well worth the wait though.

A note: Homemade sourdough bread does not taste quite as sour as store bought. If you want that extremely tangy taste you can add 1 Tb of vinegar or 1 tsp. of citric acid (sour salt) to the water for added "tang".

Sourdough Bread
(from The Complete Tightwad Gazette)

5 1/2 c. bread flour
2 c. sourdough starter
1 Tbsp. salt
1 c. water

Dissolve the salt in the water. Add the starter then stir in the flour. Knead until the dough is smooth and form into a ball. Put in an oiled bowl and cover and let rise overnight (it should be doubled in bulk when done). (Note: I let mine rise 4 hours and it was way past doubled in bulk so it will depend on the temp. in your house as to how long it will need to rise. I started my dough in the morning). Punch dough down and divide into two pieces. Form into balls and cut an "X" shape on top if desired. Place on a greased baking sheet and allow to rise about 4 hours or until double in bulk. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven and heat to 400 degrees. Bake loaves for 35 minutes. If they begin to brown too quickly then cover with a sheet of foil . If you like a soft crust, open the oven a couple times during cooking and spritz the oven walls with water, then cover the loaves when they cool. Allow them to cool completely on a rack before cutting.

10 comments:

Michele said...

I'm doing great Tin! Yes, this is a very easy recipe and I love it too BNA!

Deetsa said...

Mmmmm sourdough is great. I've never made my own either. Maybe I should try, eh?

Michele said...

Narissa, it's so easy, you should try it. Well worth the effort!

Anonymous said...

Hey Michele! Just wanted to stop by and see how things are going for you. Miss your recipes!
We love sourdough bread but I've never made it. I'm terrible with baking. But that recipe does sound easy. I may have to venture into that world one day when my girls go back to school. (and it cools down)

StaceyBelle said...

yeah sourdough bread! i've been wanting to make it for a while but it always sounds so menacing! well done.

Shannon Nelson said...

I have tagged you for Blogher's BlogMe. :)

http://tovent.blogspot.com/2006/07/blogme-by-blogher.html

Jen said...

wow, I am always impressed when people make their own bread. This looks great!

Michele said...

Tammy, you should give it a try, it's very easy and so good! Thanks for stopping by :)

Stacey, it's very easy to make. I used to think it would be hard too.

Thanks for the tag lotionbarbunny, I'll get to that today!

Thanks jenjen!

Sheila said...

Thanks! I googled "Tightwad Gazette Sourdough" and found you. These are great suggestions, esp. the vinegar. I have my first two loaves ready to put in the oven now.

Michele said...

I'm glad you gound me Shiela, I hope you enjoy your bread!