Spelt Sourdough Bread

Step 1

Feed a sourdough starter 4-12 hours before starting the bread, ensuring it is active and bubbly.

Step 2

To a large bowl, add warm water, flours, sourdough starter, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Step 3

Cover with damp towel, lid, or plastic wrap while resting. Allow to rest for 30 minutes for the water to hydrate the flour.

Step 4

Grab the edge of the dough firmly and pull up, stretching it upwards. Then push the dough that is in your hands back into the center. Turn the bowl about a quarter turn and do this stretch and fold for a total of 3-4 times. This is considered one round of stretch and folding. Repeat for a total of 6 rounds. * First 3 stretch and folds – every 15 minutes.Last 3 stretch and folds – every 30 minutes.

Step 5

Cover with a wet towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to bulk-ferment until doubled. This could be anywhere from 3-8 hours depending on the temperature and maturity of your sourdough starter.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a ball by gently spinning it toward you.

Step 7

Set out 20-30 minutes uncovered on the counter.

Step 8

Turn over the dough (the skin that just developed down) onto a lightly floured surface and shape. I pull each side and fold into the dough, then pull the dough into a shoelace pattern and roll up.

Step 9

Gently pull the dough against the countertop towards you.

Step 10

Transfer to a floured banneton or bowl with tea towel, seam side up. Cover with plastic and proof 12-15 hours (or overnight) in refrigerator.

Step 11

The next day, preheat dutch oven to 500 degrees for 1 hour.

Step 12

Remove dough from the fridge immediately before scoring and baking.

Step 13

Turn over on parchment paper.

Step 14

Dust with flour on top to make the scoring pattern stand out more. Optional.

Step 15

Score with a razor.

Step 16

Place the parchment paper and dough into the preheated dutch oven and add lid

Step 17

Place the dutch oven into the oven and turn down the heat to 475.

Step 18

Bake for 20 minutes with lid on.

Step 19

Take lid off and bake for another 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 20

Allow to cool before slicing.