Fool Proof Classic Sourdough Ratio
Let’s be real, sourdough can be SCARY. My starter came from my childhood best friend’s mom (it’s over 100 years old!) and I borrowed the recipe I follow from my mom - I love that this tradition of bread crosses through so many generations and families.
100 grams active starter
300 grams spring water
450 grams bread flour
10 grams salt
and that’s it! Sounds simple, right? LOL but seriously, once you have made it a couple times you get into such a good groove and it’ll come naturally!
A quick humble brag that shows how good this ratio is! Our sweet neighbors brought Roos a Christmas present a few months back - it was such a kind surprise! Along with a thank you card, I took over a fresh loaf and a jar of homemade blueberry jam. When we knocked on the door, the husband answered and started laughing and calling for his wife - she looked over, ran to the kitchen and then came back to the door…with a half eaten loaf of sourdough she had just made! She created her starter from scratch and this was her first time making it. A week goes by and I see her in their driveway as I’m buckling Roos in his stroller for an afternoon walk. She comes over and raves about the bread I brought - she said her sons liked it so much more than the loaf she had made! Y’ALL! I did not know how to respond hahaha I wish they would have just told her that her loaf was better hahaha
Anyways, back to the bread! Curious what to do once it’s all mixed?! I do 4 rounds of stretch and folds, 30 minutes apart, starting the second the ingredients are all combined. I use shower caps to cover the dough and keep the bowl on the counter for this process! Once I have completed all 4 rounds, I leave it on the counter until it almost doubles, then I shape it and put it in a round banneton proofing basket and stick it in the fridge for a minimum of 6 hours. My mom has left her’s in the fridge for as long as 3 days (it just gives it a more sour flavor), but I simply could not wait that long for fresh bread.
I recently shared about my favorite sourdough tools - linking it here for you!
