Sourdough bread has been enjoyed for centuries by people all over the world. Sourdough bread is made using a sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water that is left to ferment for a period of time. The fermentation process produces natural yeasts and bacteria that work together to give sourdough bread a unique flavour, texture, and health benefits.
Sourdough bread dates back to ancient Egypt. They used sourdough bread to make bread rise; however, over time, sourdough bread became a staple food in many parts of the world.
One of the main benefits of sourdough bread is that it is easier to digest than other types of bread due to the fermentation process. The fermentation process breaks down some of the carbohydrates and proteins in the bread, making it easier for the body to absorb. This is especially beneficial for people who have digestive issues or gluten intolerance.
Another benefit of sourdough bread is it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. The fermentation process increases the bioavailability of these nutrients, making it easier for the body to absorb. Sourdough bread is also a good source of fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
In addition to its health benefits, sourdough bread is known for its unique flavour and texture. The sourdough starter adds a tangy, slightly sour flavour to the bread, while the fermentation process gives it a chewy, crusty texture. Sourdough bread is also highly versatile and used in many dishes, sandwiches and toast to pizza and bread pudding.
Making sourdough bread requires a bit of patience and practice, but it is well worth the effort.
You can bake sourdough bread in an oven or in a woodfire pizza oven. This recipe is for a wood-fired pizza oven. We used a Fontana Forni Margherita Wood Fire Pizza Oven. The high heat will help with an extra crisp crust while ensuring a soft and fluffy inside.
Ingredients:
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 275 g warm water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 15g salt
Sourdough Starter Method:
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
Mix the flour and water in a large bowl until no dry spots remain.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, discard about half of the mixture and add another 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of lukewarm water to the remaining mixture. Mix well and cover again.
Repeat this feeding process every 24 hours, discarding about half of the mixture each time and adding equal parts flour and water, until the mixture becomes bubbly and active. This can take anywhere from 5-10 days, depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
Once your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, you can use it to make sourdough bread or other sourdough baked goods.
Instructions:
Combine salt, flour, water, and sourdough starter in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined, then knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 6-8 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to 450-500°F (230-260°C). Once your fire is started on the appropriate side of your pizza oven it should take about 20 minutes or one wobbly pop to heat up. Use a digital thermometer to ensure you reach the right temperature.
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a round ball.
Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes, then flatten each ball into a disk shape.
Place the disks onto a clean pizza peel no need to oil it as long as you have some flour on the bottom of your loaf to prevent sticking. Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza oven.
Bake the sourdough for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Remove the sourdough from the pizza oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired pizza oven!