Sourdough bread is a type of bread that is made through a natural process of rising and fermentation. It is often considered an art form due to the intricate steps involved in its creation.

The key ingredient in sourdough bread is the sourdough starter, which is a combination of flour and water that has been fermented by wild yeast and bacteria. Unlike commercial yeast, which is used in conventional bread-making, the wild yeast in sourdough starter gives the bread its characteristic tangy flavor and allows it to rise naturally.

The process of making sourdough bread begins by creating and maintaining a sourdough starter. This involves mixing equal parts of flour and water and allowing it to ferment for several days. During this time, the wild yeast and bacteria present in the environment and on the flour will colonize the mixture, creating a lively and active starter.

Once the sourdough starter is ready, it is used to make the bread dough. The dough is typically made by combining flour, water, and a portion of the sourdough starter. The dough is then kneaded to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure, and left to rise for several hours or overnight.

During the rising period, the wild yeast in the sourdough starter ferments the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the gluten network, causing the dough to rise. The longer the dough is allowed to rise, the more complex the flavors will become.

After the dough has risen, it is shaped into loaves or other desired shapes and left to proof. Proofing is the final rise before baking and allows the dough to relax and develop its final structure. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in the finished bread.

Once proofed, the sourdough bread is baked in a hot oven, which further enhances its flavor and creates a crusty exterior. The result is a loaf of bread with a chewy crumb, a distinct sourdough flavor, and a beautiful golden crust.

Sourdough bread-making is a skill that requires practice and patience. Each sourdough starter is unique, influenced by the environment and the baker's techniques. As a result, no two loaves of sourdough bread will ever be exactly the same.

References:

• King Arthur Baking: Sourdough
• Breadtopia: Make Your Own Sourdough Starter
• The Perfect Loaf: Sourdough Bread Baking