Ingredients
Method
Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine water, sourdough starter, honey, and olive oil. Stir well.
- Add flour and salt, then mix until combined. The dough will be shaggy.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 30–40 minutes.
Stretch & Folds
- Perform 3 to 5 rounds of stretch and folds, resting 30 minutes between each round.
- To stretch and fold: grab one side of the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over. Repeat on all four sides (8 to 10 stretch and folds).
Bulk Fermentation
- Cover the bowl and let the dough ferment at room temperature until nearly doubled in size (4–8 hours, depending on temperature).
- If it’s late at night, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and shape & bake the next day for convenience.
Shaping the Dough
- Flour a work surface and turn out the dough.
- Gently stretch it into a rectangle.
- Fold one side toward the center, then the other side.
- Roll from bottom to top, creating a loaf shape.
Proofing
- Place the dough in a greased loaf pan and cover.
- Let it proof at room temperature until puffy and nearly doubled (about 2–4 hours).
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush with butter, remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Storing & Freezing
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Slice and freeze in a bag for up to 3 months. Toast straight from frozen!
