Homemade Sourdough Bread

1.Combine the sourdough starter, bread flour, warm water, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

2.Mix well until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3.After 30 minutes, stretch and fold the dough in the bowl to help develop gluten. Repeat this every 30 minutes for a total of 2 hours.

4.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and has a bubbly texture.

5.Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.

6.Once the oven is hot, place the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf into the preheated Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 20 minutes.

7.Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.

8.Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.