Easy Sourdough Bread

Touching Dough Only for 10-Minutes!

**This beautiful loaf was made the EASY way, and it tastes so good!**

My Journey to Sourdough: How I Finally Embraced the Craze

After being four years late to the sourdough craze, I finally took the plunge, and now I’m hooked! My mission? To ditch store-bought sourdough bread laden with pesky seed oils. The struggle to find a healthy alternative was real, but it led me to an exciting culinary adventure.

Initially, I struggled to start my own sourdough starter, which led to many failed attempts. Frustrated, I decided to take a hands-on sourdough class in my area. If you’re not naturally talented in the kitchen like me, getting that personal experience is invaluable. The class transformed my perspective and demystified the bread-making process. Now, I’m ready to share my tips and tricks with you!

The Challenge of Busy Family Life

Between my kids' sports practices and our homeschooling schedule, finding time to make traditional sourdough seemed impossible. That’s when I discovered Ben Starr’s Lazy Sourdough method—perfect for busy families! Here’s how it works and why it’s been a game-changer for me.

Overview of the Lazy Sourdough Process

This simplified process is surprisingly easy:

Mix all ingredients at once.
Let the dough bulk ferment at room temperature (first rise) for 24 hours.
Shape, do a final proof at room temperature, and bake on Day 2.

Why This Method Works for Me

The only downside? The crumb may not have as many holes, but that’s not an issue for my family. We just want delicious homemade bread!

Tip #1: Take a Class to Learn the Basics

If you’re feeling intimidated by sourdough, I highly recommend enrolling in a class. Nothing compares to getting your hands in the dough to understand how it’s supposed to feel and look. The hands-on experience was a game-changer for me, and it could be for you, too!

Tip #2: Simplify with the Easy Sourdough Recipe

While I still enjoy the traditional method when I have time, the Easy Sourdough Recipe has saved my sanity. With three teenagers at home, I don’t have the luxury of waiting around for my sourdough schedule. This method allows me to enjoy fresh bread weekly without the stress.

Essential Tools You'll Need

For the Easy Sourdough Recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

Inexpensive Digital Scale: Accurate measurements are key for successful sourdough, so a digital scale is essential.
Flour: 567g King Arthur Bread Flour
Water: 364g filtered water (important for fermentation!)
Starter: 113g unfed starter (equal parts flour and water for feeding)
Best Starter is from Sourdough Sparrow. Get a reliable and easy to start sourdough starter and trust me you will thank me as this will make the baking process less stressful. An old sourdough starter offers rich, complex flavors with a tangy edge and provides stronger leavening power for better rise and texture. Its established balance of acidity leads to consistent results, while enhancing the bread's nutritional value.
Salt: 20g Morton’s kosher salt (avoid iodized table salt)

Does This Process Work?

Yes, it works every time! I’ve read some critiques about the bread being too salty, but that’s often due to using table salt instead of kosher salt. While the dough may be denser, the taste is still fantastic. As Ben Starr says, “How can you slather butter or jam on a hole?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to bake or buy sourdough loaves?
Baking sourdough at home can be more cost-effective than buying artisanal loaves from the store, especially when considering the price of high-quality ingredients. Plus, making your own allows you to avoid preservatives and unwanted additives.

Is sourdough bread healthier than grocery store bread?
Generally, sourdough bread is healthier than many grocery store breads. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and makes the nutrients more accessible. Additionally, you can control the ingredients, avoiding unhealthy additives like seed oils.

What is the shelf life of sourdough bread?
Homemade sourdough bread typically lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. For longer shelf life, consider slicing and freezing it. Thaw slices as needed for fresh-tasting bread!

What's the secret to good sourdough bread?
Patience and practice! A successful sourdough loaf comes from understanding your dough's texture, temperature, and fermentation times. Over time, you'll learn to feel when your dough is ready.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lazy Sourdough

1. Mix Your Ingredients:
Combine all ingredients until there are no dry bits. No need to knead—just ensure everything is incorporated. Cover and let it rise until doubled, which can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, depending on your kitchen's temperature and humidity.

2. Shape the Dough:
Once doubled, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a boule while maintaining tension. Place it in a banneton basket or a Dutch oven for baking.

3. Rest for 90 Minutes:
Cover the dough and let it rest for 90 minutes on the counter.

4. Score the Loaf:
Using a lame or sharp knife, score the top of the loaf. This allows for better oven spring and an attractive shape.

5. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bread covered for 45 minutes.

6. Bake Without Lid:
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes for a golden-brown crust.

7. Cool and Store:
Let the boule cool for at least an hour before slicing. Store in a breathable bread bag to keep it fresh.

Essential Tools for Sourdough Success

While you can make sourdough with basic tools, here are my must-haves:

Mixing Bowl: A deep bowl is essential for the first fermentation.
Starter Jar: Any old jar will do, but specific jars from brands like Ball are great.
Dough Whisk: I recommend a dough whisk for easy mixing.
Banneton Basket: Optional, but it helps shape the dough nicely.
Silicon Bread Sling: Makes transferring your loaf easier without using parchment paper.
Lame or Razor Blade: For scoring the dough.
Bread Bag: This will help you keep your bread fresher and soft for longer than other methods I’ve tried for bread storage.

Other Helpful Items:

You can find fantastic starter kits on Amazon that include many of these essentials for a good price.

Join the Sourdough Revolution!

My journey to sourdough has been rewarding and surprisingly easy once I simplified the process. With a little guidance and the right mindset, anyone can make delicious homemade sourdough bread. Embrace the process, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the fruits of your labor—your family will thank you!