How To Knead Sourdough

Mastering the Art of Kneading Sourdough

Welcome to the wonderful world of sourdough baking! There’s something truly special about the process of creating a delicious, tangy loaf of sourdough bread from just a few simple ingredients. One of the most important steps in making sourdough bread is the kneading process. Kneading helps to develop the gluten in the dough, creating a light and airy texture in the finished loaf. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to knead sourdough like a pro.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the kneading process, it’s important to understand the basics of sourdough bread. Sourdough is made using a natural yeast culture, which gives the bread its characteristic tangy flavor and chewy texture. The key ingredients in sourdough bread are flour, water, salt, and of course, the sourdough starter.

Preparing the Dough

Before you start kneading, you’ll need to prepare your sourdough dough. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

1. Combine 1 cup of active sourdough starter, 1 ½ cups of warm water, and 4 cups of bread flour in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

The Kneading Process

Once your dough has rested, it’s time to start kneading. Follow these steps for a successful kneading process:

1. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and begin to knead by pressing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand.
3. Fold the dough back over itself and give it a quarter turn. Continue kneading in this manner for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. As you knead, you should feel the dough become more supple and stretchy. This is a sign that the gluten is developing, which is essential for a good rise in the oven.

Signs of Properly Kneaded Dough

How do you know when your sourdough dough is properly kneaded? Here are a few signs to look for:

• The dough will be smooth and elastic, and will spring back when gently pressed with your finger.
• When you stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers, it should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” without tearing.
• The surface of the dough will feel taut and slightly shiny.

Final Thoughts

Kneading sourdough is a deeply satisfying process that connects you to the ancient tradition of bread making. With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon become a master at kneading sourdough and creating beautiful, artisan loaves of bread. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your work surface, and get ready to enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of kneading sourdough.

Happy baking!