What is Soughdough Bread? A brief history of Sourdough + Sourdough Recipe.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of sourdough bread and which flours are best to use when making sourdough? This delicious and tangy bread has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating story of sourdough bread, from its ancient beginnings to the recipe you can try in your own kitchen.

What is Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough bread is a type of bread made from a fermented dough. Unlike regular bread, which relies on commercial yeast for leavening, sourdough bread is made using a natural starter. This starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. The fermentation process gives sourdough bread its distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture.

Ancient Origins

The history of sourdough bread can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was a staple food for the Egyptians. The process of fermenting dough was discovered by accident when a mixture of flour and water was left out for an extended period of time. The wild yeast and bacteria present in the environment colonized the mixture, causing it to rise and develop a sour taste.

As civilizations developed, sourdough bread became a popular choice among different cultures. In ancient Greece, sourdough bread was considered a sacred food and was often used in religious ceremonies. The Romans also embraced sourdough bread and spread its popularity throughout their empire.

The Gold Rush and Sourdough Bread

During the California Gold Rush in the 19th century, sourdough bread played a crucial role in the lives of miners. The miners, known as "sourdoughs," relied on sourdough bread as a source of sustenance during their long and arduous journeys. Sourdough starters were highly prized possessions and were even used as a form of currency.

Recipe for Sourdough Bread

Now that you know the history of sourdough bread, why not try making it yourself? Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 500g Strong Bread Flour
• 350g water
• 100g sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, and sourdough starter until well combined.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
3. Add the salt to the dough and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking stone in the oven to preheat.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a piece of parchment paper.
7. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and carefully transfer it to the preheated Dutch oven or baking stone.
8. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade sourdough bread with your favorite toppings or use it to make delicious sandwiches and toast. The possibilities are endless!

So, the next time you bite into a slice of sourdough bread, remember the ancient origins and the journey it has taken to reach your plate. Happy baking!