Homemade sourdough recipe

8 Method Steps

Step 1

Whisk the starter and water in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the combined flour and use your hands to mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 mins to rest (see tip).

Step 2

Add salt and use your hands to work the mixture well until the salt dissolves. Cover and set aside for 30 mins to rest.

Step 3

Use wet hands to lift and pull 1 side of the dough up in the bowl, then fold it over the remaining dough. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat. Repeat the folding and rotating process 8 more times. Cover the dough and set aside for 1 hour to rest.

Step 4

Repeat folding, rotating and resting process 3 more times. (The dough will become more elastic with each fold.)

Step 5

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Starting at the end closest to you, slide a pastry scraper or your hand just under the dough. Lift slightly and turn dough 180 degrees anticlockwise, then drag it towards you. Keep lifting, turning and dragging the dough until it forms a tight ball (see tip).

Step 6

Line a medium glass bowl with a clean tea towel and dust generously with rice flour. Place the dough top-side down in the bowl. Cover with a tea towel and place the bowl in a large plastic bag. Place in fridge overnight or until dough is one and a half times its original size.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 250°C. Place a large heavy casserole pan with a lid in oven for 30 mins to preheat. Place a large sheet of baking paper on top of the dough and gently rest your hand over the paper. Quickly turn the dough and paper onto a clean work surface. Use a small, very sharp knife to carefully make 4-7 slashes, without cutting too deep, in the top of the dough (see tip). Carefully place dough on baking paper in the hot casserole pan. Cover with lid. Bake for 25 mins. Remove lid. Bake, uncovered, for 20 mins or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8

Transfer the bread to a wire rack. Set aside for 30 mins to cool.