By Rajlakshmi
May 13, 2026
If this is your first time as a home baker, trying your hand at sourdough bread, here is the recipe for the perfect loaf!
500 g bread flour 350 g water 100 g active sourdough starter 10 g salt 100 g of non-chlorinated water
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
Add the sourdough starter to the dough and mix until well incorporated. Cover the bowl and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the salt over the dough and incorporate it by folding and gently kneading the dough until the salt is evenly distributed.
Perform a series of stretching and folding the dough every 30 minutes for the next 2–3 hours. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 2–3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf into a proofing basket or a bowl lined with a well-floured cloth.
Cover and let it rise for another 2-3 hours. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or a baking stone inside to heat up.
Carefully transfer the proofed loaf into the preheated Dutch oven or onto the baking stone. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow for expansion.
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or use a large heatproof bowl to cover the loaf on the baking stone. Bake for 20 minutes covered.
Remove the lid or bowl and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.