Sourdough bread is known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture, but most recipes call for a sourdough starter. What if you don’t have one? Don’t worry! You can still make delicious sourdough bread without a starter. This guide will show you how to create perfect sourdough bread with basic ingredients, step by step. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a quick and easy recipe, this guide will make the process simple.
What You’ll Need to Make Sourdough Bread Without Starter
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
These are the basic ingredients to make sourdough bread without a starter. You’ll need flour, water, yeast, salt, and a bit of honey or sugar to help the yeast activate and rise.
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
The first step to making sourdough bread is to activate the yeast. Yeast is the key to making the bread rise and get that signature airy texture.
In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar. Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar or honey. Next, sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will begin to bubble and foam. This means it’s activated and ready to help the bread rise.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
Now that your yeast is ready, it’s time to mix the dough.
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix them with a spoon or whisk to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to form.
Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a clean, floured surface. Begin to knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes. You’ll need to knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and texture.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Kneading is a crucial part of making sourdough bread. It helps the dough become smooth and elastic, which is essential for good texture.
To knead the dough, fold it over onto itself, then push it down with the heels of your hands. Turn the dough slightly and repeat the process. Do this for about 10 minutes. You may need to sprinkle a little more flour on the surface if the dough becomes too sticky.
Once the dough is smooth and stretchy, it’s ready for its first rise.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, place the dough in a clean bowl and cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. This will keep the dough warm and help it rise.
Leave the dough in a warm place to rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on your oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
During this time, the yeast will continue to work, making the dough rise and become fluffy. You should see the dough expand and become softer.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Gently punch the dough down to release the air bubbles. This helps ensure your bread has a nice, even texture.
Now, turn the dough out onto a floured surface again. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. You can shape it by folding the edges of the dough toward the center, then turning it over and gently tucking in the sides. This helps create a tight, round shape that will hold its form while baking.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rise Again
After shaping, let the dough rise again. This second rise will only take about 30 to 60 minutes. Cover the dough and leave it to rise in a warm place. It will puff up a bit more, but don’t expect it to double in size like the first rise.
Step 7: Baking the Sourdough Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the temperature at which your bread will bake to a perfect golden brown.
Before baking, you can make a few shallow slashes on top of the dough with a sharp knife. This is optional, but it helps the bread expand in the oven and gives it a nice look.
Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and when you tap the bottom of the loaf, it sounds hollow. This means the bread is fully cooked inside.
Step 8: Cooling and Slicing the Bread
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bread firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Once the bread has cooled down, slice it with a serrated knife. The bread should have a soft, airy inside with a slightly tangy flavor from the yeast.
Enjoying Your Sourdough Bread
Now that your sourdough bread is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! You can eat it plain, with butter, or with your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea.
