[📸 Picture of Delicious Sourdough Bread]

Title: Homemade Artisanal Sourdough Bread Recipe – A Crunchy, Delicious Treat for Every Day!

Bread is a universal staple that stands at the heart of countless cuisines. Among the many types, the artisanal sourdough bread holds a special place because of its aroma, crunchy crust, and unique taste. If you always wanted to try baking your own sourdough, then you’re at the right place. Today, I’ll lead you through this simple recipe to bring the bakery into your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sourdough starter
• 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
• 5 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water. Stir until it’s well mixed.
2. Next, add in the flour and the salt. Mix these components together until you have a sticky dough. This process is called ‘making the shaggy mass’.
3. Now, let the dough rest for around 30 minutes for the gluten to develop on its own.
4. After your dough has relaxed, it’s time to knead it. You can use a bread machine on the dough cycle or knead by hand for 10 minutes until it’s soft and elastic.
5. Once kneaded, place it into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours (until it has doubled in size).
6. Following this, deflate the dough and shape it into either a round boule or an oval-shaped loaf, as per your preference.
7. Place your bread on a baking paper-lined tray or into a greased loaf pan. Cover the dough again and let it rise for about 2 hours.
8. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, put it on the middle rack.
9. Right before baking, slash the bread 2 or 3 times diagonally and spray with lukewarm water.
10. Bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Let the bread cool down before slicing and enjoy your homemade artisanal sourdough bread! This bread pairs beautifully with soup, salad, or simply spread with butter.

If you’re new to bread making, don’t worry! It’s a fun process that, like any culinary journey, only gets better as you continue to experiment and learn. Happy baking!

[📸 Picture of Freshly Baked Sourdough Bread]