By Learning How to Make Sourdough Bread, You Will Understand the Leavening Power in the Sour Dough Bread Recipe.

When learning how to make sourdough bread you will find it begins with a starter. This starter can be made in a couple of ways. If properly cared for this starter can last for years. Each time bread is being made a portion of this starter is used along with fresh ingredients.

The sourdough starter is usually about 25% of the final dough. The starter is the leavening power of the bread. Each time the starter is used it must be replaced by more ingredients to keep it going. This method was used years ago with the absence of yeast. Today the starter can even begin by adding some yeast. The sourdough bread recipe is a heavier bread and is very delicious. Some recipes call for adding more yeast and some do not.

Learn how to make sourdough bread by method 1 starter: Place 1 cup milk in a glass or crock and allow to stand 24 hours. Stir in 1 cup flour, cover with cheese cloth and place outside for several hours to expose to wild yeast cells floating in the wind. Bring inside and let set uncovered for 2 to 5 days until mixture begins to bubble and sour. If it begins to dry out add enough water to maintain the originally consistency.

Learn how to make sourdough bread by method 2 starter: Place in glass bowl or crock 2 cups warm water, 2 cups flour and 1 package yeast; let stand 3 to 4 days. When mixture begins to ferment, skim off the top. Add enough flour and water to make a paste consistency.

Each time the sour dough starter is used replenish with equal parts of milk and flour allowing it to stand several hours to become bubbly. It is best to make a sourdough bread recipe using the starter at least once a week. If the starter is not used for 2 weeks, remove half of the starter and replenish.

Store the sour dough starter in the refrigerator but let stand at room temperature before using. It can also be frozen but must stand at room temperature 24 hours before using.

How To Make Sourdough Bread

• 1 ½ Cups warm water


• 1 Package yeast


• 1 Cup sourdough starter


• 4 Cups flour, not sifted


• 2 Teaspoons sugar


• 2 Teaspoons salt


• ½ Teaspoon baking soda


• 2 Cups flour, not sifted

Pour warm water into a bowl and dissolve the yeast.

Add starter, 4 cups of flour, salt and sugar; stir vigorously for a few minutes.

Turn dough into a large greased bowl, cover with a clean towel and let rise until double in bulk.

Mix soda with 1 cup of the remaining flour and stir into the dough.

Use remaining flour on board and turn dough onto flour and knead until satiny and smooth.

Shape into 2 loaves and place on a greased baking sheet.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.

Brush tops of loaves with water and make diagonal cuts across loaves with a sharp knife.

Place a pan of hot water in the bottom of oven while baking bread.

Bake at 400F degrees for 45 to 50 minutes

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