LOAVES you’ll love

Sourdough

Sourdough one-upmanship became abit of an obsession during lockdown. It’s a true labour of love, but worth the effort. Using a large casserole dish will help it to rise and gives the bread a crunchier crust. We had many a failed attempt before using this method!

Makes 1 x 900g loaf • Ready in 2 hrs 40 mins, plus proving

200g sourdough starter (see five-day sourdough starter recipe, opposite)
500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
10g fine sea salt

you will need:

a round 25cm (1kg) banneton proving basket, very liberally dusted with flour, Dutch oven or large cast-iron casserole dish

In a large bowl, or bowl of a stand mixer, mix the sourdough starter with 300ml water. Add the strong white bread