James Beard's
Dive into the timeless art of breadmaking with James Beard’s classic sourdough recipe—a celebration of tradition and flavor. This artisanal bread combines the tangy depth of a homemade sourdough starter with the rustic charm of a golden, crackly crust. With just a handful of simple ingredients—sourdough starter, warm water, flour, and salt—you can create a loaf that’s as satisfying to bake as it is to eat. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe incorporates techniques like slow fermentation for flavor development and steam baking for an irresistibly crusty exterior. Whether served warm with a pat of butter, alongside hearty soups, or topped with your favorite spreads, this sourdough bread is a versatile and wholesome addition to your table. Master the nuances of sourdough and fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread today!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Sourdough starter
- 1.5 cups Warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for greasing)
- 2 tablespoons Cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir until the starter is dissolved.
Step 2
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.
Step 4
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil (if using) and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5
After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with cornmeal (if using). Cover loosely and let it rest for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size again.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a shallow baking pan on the lower rack of the oven and fill it with hot water to create steam.
Step 7
Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the dough with a few diagonal slashes to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 8
Bake the bread on the middle rack for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly.
Step 10
Enjoy your artisanal sourdough bread with butter, soups, or your favorite spreads!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1191.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2263.8 |
| Total Fat 19.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 2.8g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4731.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 451.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.6g | |
| Protein 59.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 87.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 26.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 694.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories