Making Simple Sourdough Bread with Ben Star

Introduction

• Ben Star introduces himself as the "ultimate food geek."
• Claims baking sourdough doesn't need to be complicated.
• Criticizes complex high hydration recipes dominating the internet.

Why Simple Sourdough?

• Common Misconceptions: Many believe sourdough baking is complex due to techniques focused on achieving large holes in bread.
• Practical Needs: Large holes aren't practical for spreads.
• Simplicity Focus: Suggests focusing on low hydration recipes that are less labor-intensive.

Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 4 oz sourdough starter (cold, unfed).
  • 12 oz water.
  • 1 lb 4 oz flour (all-purpose or bread).
  • 7/10 oz salt (higher salt for improved gluten structure).
• Process:
  • Mix ingredients; switch to hand mixing when stiff.
  • Oil a bowl, cover, and leave for 18 hours.
  • Dough should double in size.
  • Shape, use a Dutch oven for baking, and let rise for 90 more minutes.
  • Score using scissors, bake in a cold oven.

Baking Process

• Dutch Oven Method:
  • Place dough in a cold oven and start baking process.
  • Bake at 425°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional 15 minutes.
• Result:
  • A perfect loaf with minimal effort,
  • Bread has a beautiful crust, even crumb, complex flavor.
  • Low acidity due to the use of refrigerated starter.

Detailed Process Explanation

• Importance of a Scale: Consistency in baking requires precise measurements.
• Handling Starter: Use cold, unfed starters directly from the fridge.
• Hydration: Ensure your starter is at 100% hydration (equal weight flour and water).
• Fermentation:
  • Rise times vary based on environmental conditions and starter.
  • Bulk fermentation is key, taking between 12-24 hours.
  • Dough should at least double before shaping.
• Shaping and Baking:
  • Different baking vessels can be used (Dutch oven, loaf pans, etc.).
  • Proper scoring and covering techniques discussed.

Troubleshooting

• Common Issues:
  • Overhydrated starter can lead to sticky dough.
  • Over fermentation may result in a weak gluten structure.
  • Adjust rise times based on dough behavior.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Use beeswax cloth for storage, avoid refrigeration to prevent staling.
• Tools and Resources:
  • Use of scales, Dutch ovens, various pans, and parchment paper.
  • Link to full detailed recipe and video resources.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts:
  • Encourages simplicity in baking.
  • Highlights the flexibility and ease of making sourdough with minimal effort.
• Invitation to Learn More:
  • Encourages further exploration of sourdough and other culinary adventures.

Ben Star emphasizes the joy of simple, effective sourdough baking, debunking myths and providing a clear, practical method to achieve a delicious result with minimal effort.