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Basic Sourdough

Equipment Needed

  • Dutch oven
  • Kitchen scale
  • Mixing bowls
  • Dough scraper (recommended)

Timeline

Total Time: 36–39 hours

  • Feed Starter: 24 hours
  • Build Leaven: 12–14 hours
  • Final Dough: 30 minutes to 3 hours
  • Baking: 35 minutes

Stage 1: Feed Starter (24 hours)

Ingredients

  • 60 g flour
  • 60 g water
  • 15 g active sourdough starter

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients thoroughly
  2. Stretch and fold 3 times during the fermentation period
  3. Bulk ferment in refrigerator for up to 24 hours

Stage 2: Build Leaven (12–14 hours)

Ingredients

  • 125 g water
  • 125 g flour
  • 25 g starter from Stage 1

Instructions

  1. Mix ingredients until well combined
  2. Let rest at room temperature
  3. Proceed when leaven is mature

Stage 3: Final Dough

Ingredients

  • 500 g water
  • 250 g leaven (from Stage 2)
  • 800 g flour
  • 15 g salt

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients and autolyse (rest) for 30 minutes to 3 hours
  2. Shape dough as desired
  3. Proof until ready

Baking Instructions

  1. Preheat Dutch oven to 500 ℉ (260 ℃)
  2. Reduce temperature to 450 ℉ (230 ℃)
  3. Bake covered for 20 minutes
  4. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes

Notes

  • Times may vary depending on room temperature and starter strength
  • Watch dough behavior rather than strictly following time guidelines
  • Final proof time will depend on ambient temperature and dough development

source: Mom