YOUR FIRST SOURDOUGH (Sourdough Bread For Complete Beginners)

How to Make Your First Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Sourdough Starter

1. If you don't have a sourdough starter, refer to the video "How to Make a Sourdough Starter" by Brian Lagerstrom for instructions.
2. Ensure your sourdough starter is active and ready for baking.

Step 2: Gather Your Equipment

1. Digital scale for accurate measurements.
2. Medium bowl for mixing and fermenting the dough.
3. Proofing basket lined with linen or an alternative proofing option.
4. Dutch oven or a DIY baking setup for the oven.
5. Digital instant meat thermometer for temperature monitoring.

Step 3: Build Your Leaven

1. In a high-sided vessel, combine 100g room temperature water, 25g ripe sourdough starter, and 100g all-purpose flour.
2. Let the mixture ferment overnight to create a ripe leaven.

Step 4: Mix the Dough

1. Combine 200g water, 200g leaven, 400g all-purpose flour, 50g whole grain wheat flour, and 12g salt in a bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Perform a simple squeeze folding to distribute the starter and salt evenly.

Step 5: Bulk Fermentation

1. Perform strength-building folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours of fermentation.
2. Let the dough rest in a warm place until it becomes buoyant and alive.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a proofing basket, shaping it into a taut loaf.
2. Let the dough proof for about 90 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat and Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven or DIY setup for baking.
2. Transfer the proofed dough onto a baking surface, create cuts on top, and bake in a steamy environment.
3. Follow the baking instructions provided in the video for a crusty and delicious sourdough bread.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

1. Allow the freshly baked sourdough bread to cool for 30-40 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread with a creamy and chewy texture.

By following these steps, you can successfully make your first loaf of sourdough bread using the simple and fundamental process outlined in the video by Brian Lagerstrom.