A friend gave me a sourdough bread starter and I am now hooked. I have seen sourdough appearing on many blogs and I won't reinvent the wheel only tell you that you should try it at least once. At first it all seemed too much faff but then I tasted my first sourdough loaf and I can't turn back. I am using Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstall's recipe and it seems to be working fine for me. A few tips I have gleaned. I always keep my dough quite wet and usually only make my 'sponge' when my sourdough smells nice and sweet. If you want to make your sourdough more sour use wholemeal flour when you feed your starter.
Make up and feed your starter as per Hugh's instructions. Sometimes you will find it bubbles over and you will need to use trial and error until you are happy feeding and using your starter.
The 'sponge' after being left to bubble overnight. Now add the salt and flour.
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The dough after it has been kneaded and left to rise. Now knock back and leave to prove again, then bake.
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I am really getting into the hang of making this bread now. Let me know if you try following Hugh's recipe. Next up I need to try a rye version. Someone on twitter has already given me a recipe so no excuses!
