Pain au Levain

Experience the art of traditional French baking with Pain au Levain, a rustic sourdough bread that embodies simplicity and depth of flavor. Made with a bubbly, naturally fermented levain and a harmonious blend of bread and whole wheat flours, this recipe offers a perfect balance of tang and nuttiness. The process includes an autolyse to enhance gluten development, stretch-and-fold techniques for an open crumb, and a long fermentation that deepens the flavor profile. Baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven, this loaf boasts a crisp, crackling crust and a tender, airy interior. Perfect for artisanal bread enthusiasts, Pain au Levain is an irresistible centerpiece for any table, whether paired with a smear of butter, a wedge of cheese, or enjoyed on its own.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:900 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:940 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 50 g Levain
• 450 g Bread Flour
• 50 g Whole Wheat Flour
• 360 ml Water
• 10 g Salt

Directions

Step 1

Prepare your levain at least 8 hours before starting your bread. Mix 50g of active sourdough starter with 50g of flour and 50g of water. Let it sit at room temperature until bubbly and doubled in size.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine 450g of bread flour and 50g of whole wheat flour with 360ml of water. Mix until no dry bits remain. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes for autolyse.

Step 3

After autolyse, add 50g of the prepared levain and 10g of salt to the dough. Mix by pinching and folding the dough until fully incorporated.

Step 4

Begin the bulk fermentation by letting the dough rest for 3 to 4 hours at room temperature, performing a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours of fermentation.

Step 5

Once bulk fermentation is complete and the dough has risen by about 30-50%, gently remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a round by folding the edges into the center. Flip it seam side down, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 7

Perform the final shaping as desired (round or oval), then place it into a proofing basket, seam side up. Cover and allow it to proof for 2 to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside.

Step 9

Carefully transfer the dough onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp blade and quickly place it into the preheated Dutch oven.

Step 10

Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and continue to bake for another 20 minutes or until deeply golden brown.

Step 11

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(925.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1932.6

Total Fat 8.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4205.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 403.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 2.1g
Protein 64.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 116.5mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 702.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.8%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 82.9%