Why Simple Sourdough Works

Sourdough has been made for thousands of years with just four ingredients.
When we simplify the process, we let fermentation do the work — not force.

This method is:

• Gentle on digestion
• Beginner-friendly
• Low overwhelm
• Naturally nourishing

Sometimes wellness looks like… bread on the counter. Especially because store-bought bread is full of unwanted ingredients that are difficult for the body to process. Making bread at home with these simple ingredients ensure you have a delicious loaf without unnecessary additives.

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Simple Sourdough Bread Ingredients

You only need four basics:

• 4 cups flour (unbleached all-purpose or bread flour)
• 1/3 cup active sourdough starter
• 1 1/8 cups water (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon salt

That’s it.

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Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Mix

In a large bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Starter
• Water

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Add the salt last and mix again until incorporated.

No kneading. Just mix until everything is combined.

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2. Rest (Autolyse)

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 30–45 minutes.

This rest allows the flour to hydrate and gluten to begin forming naturally — no effort required.

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3. Stretch and Fold

Over the next 2–3 hours, perform 3–4 rounds of stretch and folds.

How:

• Wet your hands
• Gently pull one side of the dough up and fold it over itself
• Rotate the bowl and repeat 4 times

Cover and rest between rounds (about 30 minutes).

Think slow and steady, not perfect.

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4. Bulk Fermentation

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature until slightly puffy and airy.

This can take:

• 4–6 hours, depending on your kitchen temperature

You’re not looking for doubling — just softness and movement.

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5. Shape

Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Shape into a round loaf by folding edges inward, creating surface tension.

Let rest 20–30 minutes.

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6. Final Rise

Place dough seam-side up into a floured bowl or banneton.

Cover and let rise:

• 1–2 hours at room temperature, or
• Overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor

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7. Bake

Preheat oven to 500°F with a Dutch oven inside.

• Transfer dough onto parchment
• Score the top with a knife
• Place into hot Dutch oven

Bake:

• 25 minutes covered
• 12–15 minutes uncovered or until golden brown

Cool completely before slicing (this matters — patience is part of the recipe).

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Simple Tips for Success

• Your dough should feel soft, not dry
• Temperature matters more than time
• Trust your senses, not the clock

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Why This Fits a Simple Wellness Life

Slow food supports:

• A regulated nervous system
• Stable routines
• Better digestion
• A calmer kitchen

Bread-making is a quiet form of mindfulness — no apps required.

Pair With These Wellness Favorites

• Celery Juice for Glowing Skin
• My Go-To 5-Minute Morning Mindfulness Ritual
• Simple Natural Pantry Staples Every Mom Needs
• Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie Recipe

✨ Want more natural wellness tips? I’m here to support your journey, schedule an integrative wellness session today.

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