# A Guide to Making Artisan Sourdough Bread for Beginners
Are you tired of spending a fortune on store-bought artisan bread? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own bread from scratch? Look no further! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be making your own delicious artisan sourdough bread in no time.
## What Is Artisan Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough bread is made through the process of fermentation, relying on naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. Artisan sourdough bread, which has seen a recent surge in popularity, is distinct in its taste, texture, and preparation. Unlike other kinds of bread, artisan sourdough bread is leavened without the use of commercially produced yeast.
## Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3 cups of bread flour
– 1 1/2 cups of warm water
– 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
– 1/2 cup of sourdough starter
## The Recipe
Making artisan sourdough bread requires a little patience, but the end result is worth it.
1. Begin by mixing the flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined and there aren’t any dry spots left in the dough.
2. Cover the mixing bowl with a clean cloth and set it aside for at least 2 hours, allowing the dough to rise and the fermentation process to begin.
3. After 2 hours, remove the dough from the bowl and knead for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface. Then, shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Cover the loaf with a clean cloth, allowing it to rise for another 2 hours. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Before putting the loaf in the oven, use a sharp knife to cut an “X” into the top of the loaf. This will allow the bread to expand properly as it bakes.
6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on its underside.
7. Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into it.
## Tips and Tricks
– If you want to give your bread extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough before kneading.
– Sourdough starter can take up to a week to prepare, so make sure you plan accordingly.
– If you don’t have a sourdough starter on hand, you can make your own by combining equal parts flour and water and leaving the mixture to ferment for a few days.
## Conclusion
Making artisan sourdough bread is a fun and rewarding task, and with this recipe, it’s easily achievable even if you’re a beginner. By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to make your own delicious, homemade loaf of bread that will make your taste buds happy. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!