How to make bread with natural yeast? Natural yeast, also known as sourdough starter, is a traditional method of leavening bread that relies on capturing wild yeast from the environment. This produces a unique, tangy flavor and gives the bread a longer shelf life compared to commercial yeast. Making bread with natural yeast requires some patience and practice, but the result is a delicious and wholesome loaf that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Step 1: Creating a Sourdough Starter
The first step in making bread with natural yeast is creating a sourdough starter. This starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the air. Follow these steps to create your own sourdough starter:
- Mix equal parts of flour and water in a glass jar or container.
- Cover the jar loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap to allow airflow.
- Leave the jar in a warm spot, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove half of the starter and discard.
- Add equal parts of flour and water to the jar, stirring well to incorporate.
- Repeat the process of discarding and feeding the starter every 24 hours for about a week or until the starter becomes active and bubbly.
Once your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, it’s ready to be used in bread recipes.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
Now that you have a lively sourdough starter, it’s time to mix the dough. This step involves combining the starter with flour, water, and salt, along with any additional ingredients you desire. Follow these steps to mix your bread dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the desired amount of flour and salt.
- Add the sourdough starter and water to the bowl, mixing well to form a shaggy dough.
- If desired, add in extras such as seeds, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
- Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 4-6 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shaping and Proofing the Loaf
After the dough has rested and doubled in size, it’s time to shape the loaf and give it a final rise before baking. Follow these steps to shape and proof your bread:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently deflate it by pressing the air out.
- Shape the dough into a tight ball or loaf shape, being careful not to overwork it.
- Place the shaped loaf into a proofing basket or bowl lined with a clean cloth, ensuring the seam side is facing up.
- Cover the loaf with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 2-4 hours, or until it has noticeably increased in size.
During the proofing stage, you can also place your dough in the refrigerator overnight for a slower rise and enhanced flavor development.
Step 4: Baking the Bread
Once the dough has completed its final rise, it’s ready to be baked into a beautiful loaf of bread. Follow these steps to bake your bread:
- Place a Dutch oven or a baking stone inside the oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven or baking stone from the oven.
- Gently transfer the proofed loaf into the hot Dutch oven or onto the baking stone.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or place a large inverted bowl over the loaf to create steam.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made bread with natural yeast. Allow the freshly baked loaf to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing into it. This waiting time allows the crumb to set and the flavors to fully develop. Spread some butter or your favorite toppings, and savor the wonderful taste and aroma of your homemade bread.
Remember, making bread with natural yeast is an art that gets better with practice. Experiment with different flours, hydration levels, and fermentation times to find the perfect recipe that suits your taste. Enjoy the journey of creating delicious bread from scratch with natural yeast!