Cooking Instructions:

Prepare the Starter: Feed your sourdough starter 4-12 hours before you begin baking. Perform a float test to verify it's ready for use.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and flour. Mix until no dry flour remains. Then, add the sourdough starter and salt, and stir until well incorporated.

Autolyse: Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes. This process hydrates the flour and begins gluten development.

Stretch and Fold: Over the next couple of hours, perform 6 rounds of stretching and folding. The first three stretches should be done every 15 minutes, while the last three can be spaced out every 30 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes after each stretch.

Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn the dough out. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it in a banneton basket or a bowl lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1-2 hours, or until it has visibly puffed up.

Preheat the Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with the Dutch oven inside.

Score the Bread: Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven. Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a bread lame or sharp knife to score the top of the dough.

Bake: Place the dough (with parchment) into the Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Cool the Bread: Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

For best results, make certain to measure your ingredients accurately using a digital scale. Additionally, keep your workspace and tools clean to avoid any contamination that might affect the fermentation process. The fermentation process enhances nutrient availability in the grains, making the bread more nutritious.

Remember that sourdough baking requires practice, so don't be discouraged if your first loaf doesn't turn out perfectly—each attempt will teach you something new! Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen.