Country-Style Rustic Sourdough Loaf Recipe

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €1.97 · €0.25/serving

• 3 1/3 cups (or more) high-quality bread flour, divided (for a good gluten structure)Est. price €0.75–€1.80
• 2 teaspoons salt (enhances the flavor of the bread)Est. price €0.02–€0.08
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray (to prevent sticking)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 cup tepid filtered or spring water (105F to 115F) (using warm water helps activate the yeast)Est. price €0.30–€1.20
• 1/4 cup tangy buttermilk (adds a creamy richness to the dough)Est. price €0.20–€0.45
• 3/4 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast (to help the dough rise quickly)Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• 3/4 cup Proto-Dough (for added flavor and texture)Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• Cornmeal (for dusting the baking surface and adding texture to the crust)Est. price €0.05–€0.15

Steps

1. 1

   In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, combine the initial 4 ingredients. Incorporate 2 cups of flour and mix until well combined. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the mixture to ferment in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, typically around 1 1/2 hours.

2. 2

   Attach the dough hook and combine 1 1/3 cups of flour and salt on the lowest speed setting. Slightly raise the speed and knead the dough for 5 minutes, incorporating additional flour if needed until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes. Resume kneading on low speed for another 5 minutes. Use a rubber spatula coated with nonstick spray to scrape the dough from the hook and around it, lightly coating all surfaces of the dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.

3. 3

   Place the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it down several times to flatten it. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Form each portion into a rectangle measuring 4x8 inches. Create one shallow slash along the length of each rectangle.

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• Cultural note

  Sourdough bread has a rich cultural history, with origins dating back thousands of years. It is beloved for its tangy flavor and chewy texture, and is often associated with artisanal baking traditions. This rustic loaf reflects the simplicity and time-honored techniques of traditional bread making.

• Seasonal note

  Sourdough bread can be made year-round, but the cooler temperatures of fall and winter are ideal for fermenting the starter. Enjoy this rustic loaf during the colder months for a comforting and hearty treat.

• Health note

  This Country-Style Rustic Sourdough Loaf is a good source of protein and fiber, which can help support satiety and digestive health. The low fat content and absence of cholesterol make it a heart-friendly option. Additionally, the presence of B vitamins like B2 and B3 contributes to energy production and metabolism.