Sourdough bread is not only delicious but also a great-tasting food. It is a healthier alternative to store-bought bread. The natural fermentation process makes the bread more digestible. and enhances its nutritional profile. Here is a comprehensive guide to help make your healthy sourdough bread at home.

Ingredients-

Sourdough Starter

•         2 tablespoons active sourdough starter. (fed and bubbly)
•         1/2 cup wheat flour
•         1/2 cup water

Dough

•         31/2 cup wheat flour
•         1 1/2 cups water
•         1 tablespoon salt

Equipment

•         A large mixing bowl
•         Measuring cups and spoons
•         Mixing spoon or dough whisk
•         Bench scraper
•         Proofing basket or bowl
•         Dutch oven or baking stone
•         Parchment paper
•         Sharp knife for scoring

Instructions

Step 1. Feed the Starter

Start by feeding sourdough starter. In a small bowl mix 2 tablespoons of active sourdough starter. With 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup water. Let it sit at room temperature for about 4 to 6 hours until it’s bubbly and active.

Step 2. Autolyse

In a large mixing bowl combine 3 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour. With 1 1/2 cups of water. Mix until all the flour is hydrated. Cover the bowl and let it rest for thirty minutes. This process called autolyse helps with gluten development.

Step 3. Mixing

After the autolyse add the active sourdough starter. And 1 tablespoon of salt was added to the dough. Mix thoroughly until the starter and salt are fully incorporated.

Step 4. Kneading &Folding

Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes. It is best to use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Alternatively, you can use the stretch and fold method- stretch the dough. And fold it over itself. Rotating the bowl a quarter turn each time to time. Repeat this process 3-4 times—every 30 minutes, for 2 hours.

Step 5. Bulk Fermentation

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or use plastic for this purpose. Let the dough ferment at room temperature for about 4-6 hours until it has doubled.

Step 6. Shaping

Turn the dough onto any lightly floured surface to do this. Fold the edges towards the center and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Create surface tension by gently dragging the dough towards you with your hands.

Step 7. Proofing

Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a bowl lined with a proofing basket or a floured cloth. Cover it best proof it at room temperature for 2-4 hours. You can keep it in the fridge for 8-12 hours.

Step 8. Preheating the Oven

If you proof the dough in the refrigerator. Let it come to room space temperature while you preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F or 230°C. If using a Dutch oven place it in the oven to preheat as well.

 Step 9. Scoring

Carefully turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. operate a sharp knife or razor blade. Slashes on the texture of the dough to allow the bread to expand during baking.

 Step 10. Baking

 Carefully transmit the dough on the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Must cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes remove the lid. Bake for an extra 20-25 minutes. Or until the crust is deeply browned and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

 Step 11. Cooling

Remove the bread from the oven. Cool on a wire stand for at least 1 hour. Do this before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and enhances the flavor.

 Healthy Sourdough Bread Tips

 Use whole grains– Whole wheat bread contains fiber. Wheat adds nutrients. Can experiment with other whole-grain flours like rye, or einkorn.

Add seeds– Add seeds like hemp, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds to the dough for added nutrition.

Stay hydrated– Whole grain flour absorbs more water. The hydration level of the dough may need to be adjusted for this.

Slow fermentation- A long fermentation helps increase the digestibility of the bread. Also lowers the glycemic index. Refrigerating overnight can help with proofing.

Watch your salt intake– Be aware of the amount of added salt. You can reduce the salt slightly if you wish. But it is essential for flavor and dough structure.

 Enjoy your healthy homemade sourdough bread with this recipe