Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, add sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, salt and water. Whisk to combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl (there should be no dry flour particles visible). Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for one hour. Resting helps build gluten strength naturally.

Step 2

Apply some water on your hands and stretch and fold the dough in the bowl by folding the edges over to the centre, one edge at a time. Wet hands makes it easier to work with the dough and it should take you less than a minute to fold all 4 sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Since this wet dough is over 70% hydration and quite sticky, stretching and folding is a better technique to build gluten strength than kneading.

Step 3

Stretch and fold the dough again, cover, and let dough rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 4

Drizzle and spread a little bit of oil over dough with your hands to help prevent it from drying out. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and continue to let the dough rest until it almost doubles in size. It takes about 4 to 6 hours for the dough to double in size, depending on room temperature.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled surface. Flatten the dough into a 5x9-inch rectangle and roll it into a log. Pinch the edges together to seal. (Note that after the first rise, the dough becomes less sticky and easier to handle).

Step 6

Transfer the rolled dough into a 5x9-inch loaf pan (1 lb. loaf pan) and press it down with the palm of your hand to spread it to cover the entire pan. This also helps distribute air bubbles evenly in dough when it rises

Step 7

Cover the loaf pan with plastic cling wrap or seal it in a large Ziploc bag. Let the dough rise for the second time for 2 to 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator until it almost rises to the rim of the pan. I often let the dough slowly rise in the refrigerator overnight because bread from slow fermentation tastes better and it is easy to incorporate into your work schedule.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Step 9

Once the loaf rises to the rim, it's ready for baking. (Note that sourdough bread normally doesn't rise as much as the yeast bread but it is capable of doubling in size). Transfer the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 10

Remove the loaf out of the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before slicing, about 1 hour.