What is Sourdough?
Sourdough, the heart of artisan baking, is more than a loaf; it’s a symphony of flour, water, and wild yeasts, an ode to the craftsmanship of real bakers. As September approaches, the baking world eagerly anticipates the Sourdough September celebration, a month-long ode to this time-honoured treasure.
Sourdough September: Celebrating the Craft
Sourdough September isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a movement that honours the genuine. It’s a declaration that embraces the essence of real bread, casting aside mass production for handcrafted mastery. During this month, we embark on a journey to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the art of sourdough.
What Sourdough is Not (Sourfaux)
In a world where ‘sourdough’ is carelessly thrown around, we stand firmly against the notion of pseudough. We echo the sentiments of the Real Bread Campaign in discerning true sourdough from sourfaux. A sourdough starter, nurtured and alive, brings forth a symphony of flavours, while additives and shortcuts dilute the essence of authentic bread.
Crafting a Living Sourdough Starter
Creating a sourdough starter is akin to tending to a living garden. With patience and care, you cultivate a colony of wild yeasts, fostering a symbiotic relationship that births extraordinary bread. The starter captures the soul of the environment, infusing each slice with a distinct character.
Sourdough Starter Recipe
Ingredients:
100g whole grain flour
100ml lukewarm water
Instructions:
Mix the flour and water in a glass container.
Cover loosely and let it sit in a warm spot for 24 hours.
Discard half of the mixture and feed it with another 100g flour and 100ml water.
Repeat this feeding process daily for about a week, or until the starter is bubbly and has a tangy aroma.
An Artisanal Sourdough Bread Recipe
Our simple recipe serves as an initiation into the world of Sourdough September. Through kneading and waiting, you’ll witness the transformation of humble ingredients into a masterpiece of texture and taste, celebrating the marriage of time and nature.
Ingredients:
300g active sourdough starter
400g bread flour
240ml lukewarm water
10g salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, flour, and water.
Knead the dough until smooth, then add the salt and knead again.
Cover and let it rise for about 4-6 hours.
Gently shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket.
Let it rise for another 2-3 hours.
Preheat the oven to 220°C and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden.
Delighting in Sourdough's Benefits
Sourdough isn’t just a feast for the senses; it nurtures our health too. Its longer fermentation process makes gluten more digestible, and its lower glycemic index aids in blood sugar control. As we revel in the world of sourdough, we also embrace its potential contributions to our well-being.
All You Knead's Sourdough and the Real Bread Ethos
At All You Knead, Sourdough September embodies our ethos. Our sourdough is more than bread; it’s a reflection of our commitment to real, honest ingredients. We invite you to savour each bite, knowing that every slice is a testament to our dedication to crafting bread that stands apart.
Join Us in Celebrating Sourdough
As Sourdough September unfolds, we invite you to partake in this cherished tradition. Let’s celebrate the mastery of real bakers, the beauty of naturally leavened bread, and the delight of breaking authentic bread together.