The Ultimate Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe - Advanced Method

Ingredients:

• 35 grams mature sourdough starter
• 35 grams all-purpose flour
• 35 grams whole wheat flour
• 70 grams room-temperature filtered water (for levin)
• 804 grams bread flour
• 75 grams whole wheat flour (for auto lease)
• 740 grams filtered water (plus additional 80 grams reserved)
• 18 grams fine sea salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Start the Levin:

   • In a jar, mix the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and 70 grams of water.
   • Ferment at 78°F (25°C) for 5-6 hours.

2. Prepare the Flour Mixture (Auto Lease):

   • At 3.5 hours into levin fermentation, mix bread flour and whole wheat flour.
   • Heat most of the 740 grams of water to 90°F (32°C), reserve 80 grams aside, and mix the heated water into the flour.
   • Let it rest with the levin for the remaining fermentation time.

3. Mixing Levin into Dough:

   • Pour levin over dough, use reserved water to integrate, then mix by hand and slap and fold until smooth (3-5 minutes).
   • Place in a warm environment for 25 minutes.

4. Add Salt and Water:

   • Sprinkle sea salt, add remaining water, and mix.
   • Perform another set of slap and fold for 2-3 minutes.
   • Let it rest for 25 minutes.

5. Bulk Fermentation:

   • Perform a series of folds every 15 minutes for the first hour, then every 30 minutes for the next 1.5 hours.
   • Let it rest for the remainder of the 4.5-hour bulk ferment.

6. Pre-shape and Final Shape:

   • Divide the dough and pre-shape into boules. Rest for 20 minutes.
   • Perform final shaping using the Tartine shoelace method.
   • Place in a floured banneton, seam side up.

7. Cold Proofing:

   • Place the shaped dough in the refrigerator for 12-14 hours.

8. Baking:

   • Preheat a combo cooker in the oven at 500°F (260°C).
   • Invert the dough into the cooker, score, cover, and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the lid, lower temperature to 450°F (232°C), and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until deep brown.
   • Cool on a wire rack.

The video emphasizes the importance of technique over ingredients in achieving the perfect sourdough bread. It covers the entire process, from creating the levin to the final baking, with detailed instructions for each step. Temperature control is highlighted as a crucial aspect of successful sourdough baking.