Sourdough bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
• 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 large pinches of salt

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form a shaggy dough.
2. Knead the dough until it is smooth, consistent, and elastic.
3. Place the dough back in a bowl and cover with cling film. Store it in a warm space until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape dough by folding over sides to the centre. Flip over the dough. Tuck edges underneath and pinch them together using the sides of your hands.
5. Preheat oven to 250°C with Dutch oven inside.
6. Score dough to allow it to expand in the oven.
7. Remove preheated Dutch oven and place the dough inside. Cover with the lid and place back inside the oven.
8. Cook for 40 minutes.
9. Remove the lid and cook for another 20 minutes.
10. Remove the Dutch oven and cover with the lid again for 15 minutes. This will trap the escaping moisture and improve the texture of the bread.
11. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and allow to cool.