California Sourdough Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
• 150g (1 cup) sourdough starter 150g (1 cup) sourdough starter
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 1 tbsp avocado oil 1 tbsp avocado oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 400mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, warm water, and sourdough starter. Mix until well combined.
2. 2.
   Add the salt and avocado oil to the dough and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size again.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
7. 7.
   Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion during baking.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sourdough starter — Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe. If your starter needs refreshing, feed it with equal parts flour and water and let it sit at room temperature until it becomes active.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced sourdough flavor, allow the dough to ferment in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
• Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or rye, to add depth of flavor to your sourdough bread.
• To achieve a crispier crust, spray water onto the bread before placing it in the oven.
• Use a Dutch oven or a baking stone to create a steamy environment for baking, resulting in a crustier bread.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the California Sourdough Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads. Enjoy it as a side with soups, salads, or use it to make delicious sandwiches.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful golden crust, place the loaf on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. You can also sprinkle some flour on top of the loaf for an artisanal touch.