Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe: A Rustic Delight You Can Make at Home

Instructions:

1. Combine flour and water in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight (8-12 hours).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and water. Mix until fully incorporated. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
3. Incorporate the sourdough starter and salt into the dough. Mix until well combined.
4. Let the dough rise at room temperature, folding it every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours and then let it rest undisturbed for another 2 hours.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
6. Shape the rested dough again into a tight ball and place it seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
8. Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven (seam-side down), cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Transfer the baked loaf to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.