Simple Sourdough for Lazy People

*NEW* 2023 Simpler Version: • *NEW* 10 Minute SIMPLE...
Questions? Problems? Check out: • Troubleshooting "Simpl...
Printable recipe: ultimatefoodgeek.com/2020/03/...
4 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: amzn.to/43ZR2ID
(This is the closest Dutch Oven available on Amazon to the model I am using in the video. The product description says this is black enameled on the inside, and in my video I reference raw but seasoned cast iron. This is the closest thing you can currently get. It's the perfect size and functionality for this loaf. If this link doesn't work, search for a 4-5 quart Dutch oven, approximately 9" in diameter and 4" deep.)
My baking scale of choice: amzn.to/2K66YUU
My bread knife of choice: amzn.to/4cvLNV8
Flour sack towels: amzn.to/37My0J3
The oven gloves I love - amzn.to/49479qS
My Kitchen Toys: kit.co/UltimateFoodGeek/my-ki...
Forget the levain and the autolyse, and the constant slapping and folding. This sourdough recipe requires 5 minutes of effort on day 1, and 10-15 on bake day. No target dough temperatures, no kneading or fussing. Ben Starr, the Ultimate Food Geek, shows you how truly simple it can be to produce an exquisite loaf of sourdough. Recipe below. Visit benstarr.com for more!
Day 1:
In a large bowl, mix:
4 oz (113g) sourdough starter at 100% hydration (No need to feed first. 100% hydration means you normally feed your starter with equal weights of flour and water)
12 oz (340g) (ideally filtered) water (not warm)
Stir until the starter is fairly evenly mixed into the water. Then add:
1 lb 4 oz (567g) flour (bread flour, unbleached, or All-Purpose. You may substitute up to 8 oz whole wheat/rye flour, and if you do, increase the water by 1 oz)
3/4 oz (21g) non-iodized salt
Stir until all dry flour is gone. Ideally, knead for 10-15 seconds to bring mixture into a cohesive mound. Cover and rise 12-24 hours on countertop, or rise in oil-sprayed ziploc bag. Once dough has doubled in size, shape into loaf. Don't worry about shaping it the INSTANT it reaches double! It can sit there for 4 or 5 hours after doubling without any harm. (If starter was recently fed, doubling will happen in as little as 12 hours. If starter was not recently fed, it may take a full 24 hours, or perhaps longer.
If your dough is too wet and sticky to handle, your starter is too wet. Discard all but 2 ounces of starter, feed with 4 ounces flour and 4 ounces of water, sit for 1 hour at room temp, then refrigerate. The next day, repeat this step. This will bring your starter closer to the 100% hydration rate that works for this recipe.)
Shape into loaf. If baking in loaf pan, let dough rise in oiled loaf pan. If baking in Dutch oven, let dough rise in a bowl of similar size to the Dutch oven, lined with soft cloth that has been heavily floured. (At this point, dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days for convenience or flavor development. If chilling, pull dough from fridge and let rest at room temp for 3-4 hours before baking, for best results.)
After shaping, rise 2-4 hours, or until double. (It'll take longer if your starter wasn't recently fed.)
About an hour before baking, preheat oven (with Dutch oven inside, if using) at 500F/260C with the rack on the 2nd-to-lowest position.
Score dough and carefully transfer into hot Dutch oven. Immediately turn temp down to 425F/220C. Bake in loaf pan 35 minutes, or in Dutch oven 30 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered, or until deeply browned. (Internal temp should be between 205F and 210F if you use a thermometer.) Cool fully before slicing.
Link to Sourdough Starter Video: • How to make Sourdough ...
NOTE: I'm an Amazon affiliate, I may get a few cents if you buy something from the Amazon link above! Thankya!

[@laurageneable]

Well my, my, my! I have been on a quest for my entire adult life to master sourdough bread making. I’m 68 and just now learning just how easy it really is. My dad,who is now deceased spent his life trying to figure it out too. He was one of the last of the true cowboys and the camp chefs always had a starter and made bread , pancakes, biscuits and cobblers. He always talked about it and he longed to replicate it. He got so desperate that when he got older he even tried adding commercial yeast to his starter to “help" it along! 😩 He used to tell me stories of how the cooks would carry their starter under their coats, close to their chest when it got bitter cold to keep it warm enough from freezing. He would be so proud of me now and I wish he could have known how simple it could have been for him. Thank you so much for the wealth of knowledge.

[@Jacksprat265]

I found a German lady with a similar approach. It has taken the fear out of it for me, plus I’m lazy 😆

[@nikiTricoteuse]

That's a great story. I bet your dad is smiling down on you from somewhere, happy that you finally get to do what he tried to do for so long.

[@brianboe3774]

At 60 I ain’t got time for grams … ?!?!.. I ain’t lazy .. but I ain’t got time fer grams

[@broncossoccer]

@@brianboe3774it’s a button on your scale. Smaller unit of measure. Easier to be more accurate. I’m 58 and I found the button.

[@maryannedeering1663]

Thank you for sharing your story of your Dad. How Special. I'm glad you found someone who has made it more simple for you. He'd be so proud of you and jealous, lol.. May he rip♥️Merry Christmas 2023🎄

[@maryknea5366]

Finally...someone who has more things to do than "nurse" their sourdough starter and explains it simply with humor thrown in. Love it! Thank you!

[@donnettethayer4956]

I'm watching this video again after recommending it numerous times to people who have enjoyed my sourdough bread. In fact, I had completely given up trying to make sourdough bread after numerous failed loaves. However, as a professional chemist and microbiologist, it seemed ridiculous to me that I couldn't make a decent loaf of sourdough bread. So I searched for a video that included the fundamentals, found this video, and always have homemade sourdough bread for myself and my delighted friends. THANK YOU.

[@Schatzie301]

What a breath of fresh air. I started my sourdough journey a few months ago and in short order, I branched out to 3 different starters. Suddenly I realised my life was no longer my own. I was either feeding a starter or babysitting dough. So, as you predicted, I put the starters in the fridge and fed them occasionally but haven’t baked any more bread. My family has complained that I addicted them to sourdough bread and now they are having to buy it at the supermarket. You have shown me that there is a better way. Bread will be baked tomorrow and every few days after that. A million thanks.

[@kathynix6552]

I also have two or three jars of starter sitting in the fridge just waiting, and waiting…

[@f.3964]

Babysitting dough... giggle 😂❤

[@aayush_dutt]

Hey how is it going now after 8 months? I just saw this video and curious about learning your experience

[@user-ym1mv3cf9n]

Just saw this lesson today- 4 months after I first started this adventure. My 3 starters ( which I’ve made the mistake of naming) may finally be brought under control by following your sane direction.

[@alfontana6242]

Ben, Just baked a beautiful loaf of Sourdough Bread, my third loaf and the best yet. This time instead of waiting for the levan to develope I just went into the frig and took out a 3 week old unfed starter that I had just left in there as a backup. I used that cold and right out of the jar, and wow, just like you said it worked. There is so much info out there for sourdough when you have to use your starter and you have disproved most of them. I never baked a loaf of bread in my life until last week and I am retired now at 70 years old. My wife and I just love the taste of sourdough bread, and now we have no desire to buy bread at the store.

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

Al, this makes me SO happy!

[@karmelicanke]

@@ultimatefoodgeek Ben, I prefer the close crumb in the loaf you just baked. Beautiful!

[@annaharbourne1764]

Keep meaning to add a comment : THANK YOU! you have possibly saved my marriage! At the start of lockdown my husband decided to make sourdough - very unsuccessfully! He was trying ever more complicated instructions and getting nowhere except very irritated (and irritating!) Then I found your method. It took some persuasion to get him to try it. "How can something so simple possibly work?" Well it does! He's been making sourdough by your method for a year now and never had a fail - and we're still together!

[@jackiej3155]

😂😂😂😂 Love your story

[@loriegosnell9355]

You are exactly what I been looking for… no nonsense actual education with no BS. No one on any of the sour dough videos I’ve watched said to use salt without iodine except for you and understanding the science behind what you’re making helps tremendously. Thank you 😊

[@countrygalinthecity]

I hear alot of them say this

[@bizzyandbart]

This is the first place I heard no idodine and I have watched so many sourdough videos! Like I’m sure some others say it but not everyone.

[@jamesmoon1841]

Learned how to bake sour dough bread from this KZbin. I use the recipe Ben uses. Make two loafs at a time on an Italian bread pan. Have been baking every ten days for over a year. The bread has improved with time. This is all you need to know to bake.

[@snowbird6855]

My first few sourdough loaves were made using spelt flour 9 months ago and then I've been using einkorn flour since. Today I'm going to make a levain with hard wheat flour so I can try a standard wheat sourdough loaf for the first time.

[@cynthiahill3426]

​@@snowbird6855how did it turn out?

[@DutchJoan]

This wasn't just informative, but highly entertaining as well. I utterly enjoyed watching.

[@mrtech2259]

Same

[@robertslocum2555]

Ben ROCKSTARR

[@nannettenannettek9545]

I agree. He is so down to earth and very relatable.

[@reneestevens2526]

This was absolutely invaluable for me. Another tip is with two loaf pans you can use binder clips to create a “poor man’s Dutch oven”. I’ve also found spritzing the surface with water before placing the lid adds extra moisture without compromising the dough! Lends to a nice chewy but tender crust, yet a fluffy interior. Thank you so much for the science of cooking that you share. I love knowing the “why” of why things work as they do!

[@nakedhombre]

Renée These were very astute comments and your extra tips are appreciated.

[@veganchik1]

Can't wait to try the trick with the loaf pans! Thank you for this idea Renee! I have muscular dystrophy and am too weak to handle heavy Dutch ovens, so am very excited about this. Going to try this today.

[@msuc5vette]

Brilliant!

[@brendaleetaylor9566]

Binder clips!! Thank you!!! I couldn't think of how to keep them tight!!!!

[@stevepoland1406]

WOW!! Just when I was going to give up my dream of making Sourdough bread I found this video. You have renewed my quest on making homemade sourdough bread. All of the complicated recipes had basically scared me into just sticking with my regular homemade bread. Now I'm ready to tackle Sourdough.

[@brymelonism]

I have watched countless sourdough videos and have thought to myself, "How is this sustainable for anyone on a long-term basis?!" You, sir, have addressed that problem with this highly helpful video. Thank you!

[@adamstuartclark]

Finally, someone who lays it out simply. I've watched a lot (probably way too many) sourdough bread videos and my brain switched off within 10 minutes (probably because I didn't have a damn laboratory to make it in). This is one of the best. Thank you.

[@djeffs7873]

Awesome instruction !!! NOW I will try to make sourdough bread. I can actually understand how. Thank you, thank you!

[@jeffgoesrandom4217]

Exactly ! I found it out myself and shared a video. I am not a baker by any means... and it worked. And Ben Starr is right on the money. Glad I found his site.

[@Klink52]

Ditto!!!!!!!!

[@mdemi7317]

Seems simple enough to try Thanks .

[@ritageorge8748]

Got you one better 4yrs ago all my B-day gifts were bread baking books with day long confusing instructions some I actually mastered so this man's sounds great-P's-- those books 🙊real pretty covers

[@virginiacazares9883]

" I am Food Geek and it is my responsibility to teach you the chemistry and physics behind cooking so that you stop being a recipe follower and start being somebody that truly understands cooking and does not need recipes" Instant supporter! Your energy is contagious Chef! Peace and Love from Ventura, Ca.

[@jandyg]

I’ve never made bread before watching Ben’s series. Started my starter on July 4th, 2022. Was ready in 7 days. Been making at least one loaf a week. Usually 2 at a time. From regular, wheat, rye and the best jalapeño cheddar. Thank you Chef. This is a new staple in our house. We’ve stopped buying store bread. Named the starter Old Glory.

[@aimeejohnston7844]

@@jandyg Jalapeño cheddar is my absolute favorite

[@mariannecorman]

Ben. My dough has been out on the counter (4 hrs) it’s ready to bake but I don’t have time right now. Can I still put it in the fridge at this point ? I have watched this video several times but I’m still not sure.

[@mjmccarthy3693]

I have done that and put bowl or basket inside a produce bag from market and retrieve when you are able and finish up.

[@mjmccarthy3693]

I meant put in bag then place in fridge👌🏻

[@dink43s]

This was my first attempt at bread making and it was absolutely awesome. Tender, great crust and taste. Didn’t expect such great result after watching many more complicated recipes.

[@hiitsdi868]

I’ve had my starter for a month and didn’t know where to start! I was completely confused, even though I have watched hours upon hours on how to bake a loaf of sourdough. After watching yours, I can’t wait to start mine and have sourdough tomorrow. Thank you so much for making it so clear to understand!

[@carolr4871]

I love it that your mom named her starter. My starter is 1 1/2 yrs. old and is named Yeastie Boys.

[@mariannesouza8326]

Brilliant, clever! 😀👍🏼🍞

[@jungleb0y964]

I named mine the same thing! Love it!

[@carolr4871]

Great minds think alike!

[@carolr4871]

Thank you!

[@denisedicaprio6631]

I have yeasty boi and I put him under the oven light and play albums to him on the regular

[@michallopianowski1591]

Ben, took me 12 days to make my starter, but I couldn't bake a loaf, so I put it in the fridge. Two months later I made my first loaf and man oh man, did it ever come out amazing. I am so thankful for your KISS method. I say; minimum effort, maximum results. Thank you again for sharing.

[@Jmay411]

Oh wow 12 days?? Okay that gives me hope

[@aayush_dutt]

Did you make more breads using this method? How is your experience 9 months later?

[@user-xp1mh2sx6l]

@@aayush_dutt Fabulous, my bread keeps getting better and better with the same starter. And just like Ben says, if your starter sits for a while and forms that liquid on top, DO NOT THROW IT OUT; just mix it back into the starter before using.

[@Dayhawk001]

I always refer back to Ben’s tutorials. His ‘quirky’ to the point instructions and insight into sourdough make for the moment in time you spend watching a blessing. ‘Sourdough is Life’.

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

What over-generous words. Thank you!!

[@kathyretzy3831]

Hi Ben, can I use this to recipe to make a sandwich loaf in Pullman’s pan with the lid? Thanks

[@meutod2]

We are well passed the pandemic and sourdough’s popularity is still going strong lol I found your video on a sourdough starter group on FB and I’m so thankful for you. I’ve watched countless videos, almost ordered just as many books on making sourdough and you are such a breath of fresh air. I need basics so my brain can comprehend 😅 Thank you!!!!

[@LarissaChap]

Must be here from the same group lol

[@regisgalbach5929]

I struggled through a few other recopies / processes before finding your factual & humorous process. At 76 & retired, I could take my time but, not waste my time. Have made 2 following your recipe and both were great. I now am actually making a loaf for a couple friends. Never thought I'd make something that I would share outside my wife & I....lol Thank you so much for making this simple and useful.

[@Kaige46]

This makes so much sense! I can’t imagine early settlers and gold-rush miners messing about and treating sourdough starter any differently than they would have a fresh yeast. It was more transportable is all. Great vid! Thanks. 😊

[@genkiferal7178]

i bet they nevr used a scale, either

[@northwoodfalls1403]

@@genkiferal7178 exactly my thought. He began by saying this bread has been around forever before people had fancy gadgets and then berates us for not having a digital scale …. 🙄

[@mygirldarby]

@@northwoodfalls1403 isn't that silly? I see the insistence upon scales on KZbin all the time in baking and cooking videos and find it ridiculous. First off, as you mention, people didn't have scales of any kind, certainly not electric ones, for thousands of years and yet they somehow managed to make all kinds of recipes. Second, I find scale use to be non-intuitive and to limit a baker or a cook's ability to build their knowledge of weights by experience...to know what a cup of water looks like or how "big" a tablespoon is by sight. You just don't learn that when you use a scale for everything. It is best, IMO, for all new cooks and bakers to start out with old fashioned cups, teaspoons, etc. They should get a feel for these measurements and be able to approximate a cup of liquid or flour amd a teaspoon of salt, etc, by sight. If they want to move on to exact measurements for baking later, then by all means do that, but the basics of knowing what a cup of something is will always be useful.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

@@mygirldarby yes!! When I was learning how to cook, I often asked my mother how she knew when something was done. She told me, “You can smell it.” Fast forward years later, she asked me how I cooked something and asked “How long do you cook it for?” and I replied, “Until it smells done.” She laughed. It sounds overly simplistic, but it’s true. You can smell when the moment happens when the chemical reactions have reached that mysterious moment of alchemy when the raw ingredients have transformed. I mean, a timer is a still a good idea, I’m not denying that lol. But relying on the clock instead of your own senses won’t make you a good cook. It’s also why I prefer using my hands or a knife over mixers and processors as much as is feasible. You have to make physical contact with the ingredients. It’s hard to explain why, exactly, but somehow you pick up on things like how much water there is in the vegetables, how tender the meat is, how much moisture is in your flour that day, etc. You feel the difference between how much volume is in the eggs you’re using, the quality of the butter and on and on and on. I had great success with sourdough bread for a few months and then all of a sudden it all went wrong and I was producing flat hockey pucks again. After scrutinizing every step to figure out what was going wrong, the light bulb went off. I have been using a scale so I could remove factors of unknowns when assessing what was working and what wasn’t BUT we went through massive weather changes in a short period of time. We went from very cold to very hot and humid and back again and it dawned on me that while the scale was accurately telling me how much water I was adding, it can’t possibly tell me how much moisture is in the flour I am using. I went back to doing it by feel, and TA DA! The beautiful loaves I had become used to greeting out of the oven returned. These recipes on the internet are mostly derived from professional bakers. They have a level of control the home baker does not. They can store their flour in temperature and moisture controlled environments, etc. We are always told that we need flour with higher protein in it, etc. Well, here in Canada, protein content in flour is regulated. It’s all basically the same. But that does not at all mean the flour is the same. I’m not a scientist or a wheat expert so I have no explanation, all I know is that it can’t JUST be the protein content because I get wildly different results from different flours, all with the same relative protein content, so relying on numbers alone won’t make you a good baker of bread. The scale is for sure useful. I’m not saying it can’t be helpful. I, as I said, have used it just to help me keep track of what I am doing from one batch to the next for troubleshooting as I am learning. But getting your hands in there and learning to go by feel will always be the best way to cook.

[@kdbaxter]

The settlers may not have, but here he is trying to make it as easy as possible for someone struggling with producing even A loaf of bread - at a time when these modern gadgets may make it easier for even a novice to see some success.

[@dakotakennedy9581]

Thank you finally. Someone who can throw out all the muck and priggish arrogance. Finally a simple reasonable instructions.

[@dakotakennedy9581]

Can I maintain my starter without a fridge and "constant" tempature? I live way way way way off grid, so a fridge and a constant indoor temp is not going to happen.

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

Dakota, you may need to feed more frequently if your starter lives at room temp. But I've had an experimental starter on my countertop for a month without a feeding, and it seems fine. My recommendation is to keep it in the darkest, coolest spot in your home, and feed it every 2-3 weeks.

[@robgaby8109]

Hi Ben, I’ve been making your recipe for the past 1.5 years. I’ve tweaked it a bit with 1.5 oz of organic stone ground rye flour, 4 oz.turkey (Yes turkey flour. Can’t find it in Canada anymore) 4 oz spelt four, 2 oz whole wheat flour and 11.5 oz unbleached white flour. Outstanding combo!! I use 4.5 oz of starter and 13.5 oz water. I do a stretch and fold 2X at 30 minute intervals and then leave it covered in the kitchen for 12-14 hours. Outstanding!!

[@MrsH352]

Your combination of flours sounds great. Does it change the interior of the loaf? I made my starter with organic dark rye flour and filtered water, came out great after 6 days. Thanks 😊

[@elizabethsundell4459]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was almost in tears and feeling like I could never make sour dough bread. Then I saw you wonderful video and got my starter out of the refrigerator ❤️

[@responsiblecuisine4974]

I started right way 💪🏻

[@worldnotworld]

As soon as he said "I don't have time for all of that shit" I was hooked. Baking now. Will report!

[@svenja7403]

how did it go? or is it still baking? :))

[@DarkShadow0_0]

Is it still in the oven??

[@Purveyor1000]

Don't make promises you aren't going to deliver on .. cough it up!

[@worldnotworld]

It was a failure. :(

[@DarkShadow0_0]

@@worldnotworld don't worry, keep your head up high, it will get better as you keep baking and you would be able to make the perfect bread, I failed making bread but I ain't stopping

[@ralphpatterson2076]

There are few things better than a great teacher! Thank you, Ben ! I leave your classroom (my kitchen) informed, confident...and with a pretty nice looking loaf of bread!

[@Nose77904]

I have been trying to bake sourdough bread for 2 years. I found your videos and in less that 2 weeks I now have a great starter and have baked two wonderful loafs of sourdough bread. THANK YOU!

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

Excellent. My work here is done

[@bryane.glover7407]

The best of the many, many sourdough videos I've watched. The others seemed to get more and more complex, and I was thinking of abandoning my desire to start making sourdough bread. This video changed my mind. Thanks!

[@Diabne]

Thank you. I’ve been making sourdough for years. I mix it in under five minutes, form a loaf in 4-6 hours and refrigerate overnight. Why do people make it so complicated. I use tap water and salt with iodine and get great oven spring.

[@rickmilasich7599]

it is a good beginning but i would encourage you to look at a bit of the other simple recipes that include shaping and folding, as the crumb improves...but again only obsessed folk have criticized results while reaching for another slice. and yes, starter is much tougher than sooooo many make it to be with all their feeding schedules. even in humid, hot Cambodia, I have yet to lose a starter.

[@MrGGPRI]

I find that the harder I have to work, the better the bread so will just have to continue...

[@venicelonginetti-scherer22]

ditto!

[@responsiblecuisine4974]

I know 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Katya-zj7ni]

I've been making sourdough for years quite happily just the way you did and then saw those "other channels" that turned a quick pleasurable experience into a living nightmare. Love your channel, new subscriber x

[@stinkdyr301]

There are a million ways to skin a cat...or bake a sourdough bread!

[@debbies2715]

Beginner here….2 recipes down and this loaf recipe sold me. I’m sure I’ll be making it again. Next time will try the Boulle.👩‍🍳

[@becanieable]

Your video is so helpful! Thank you for not over-complicating sourdough! 🙌

[@janea4777]

Ive been making sour dough bread for 5 years. I just made the most perfect loaf of crusty, beautiful sour dough bread I’ve ever made. THANK YOU! This recipe %100 works. I’ll never make it like I used too. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds in the bottom of your cast iron before you put the bread it. Perfection!

[@markroth5129]

Really enjoy your humor and whole out look, thank you, I’m just getting into the whole sour dough thing and we love it

[@summerbreeze1955]

Love your energy thanks for sharing luv n light x

[@damitaduplantis8256]

One of the best sourdough videos I’ve watched. Very educational and kept my attention the entire time! Well done!

[@shelliebeans5524]

I love this guy! explains everything in terms I can understand. Not fancy. He stirred with a metal tablespoon in a plastic bowl! No fancy tools needed. Ive been watching all the videos on making sourdough and I get lost on measurements , steps, and terminology. Ben is my go to guy now.

[@cheryloliver8438]

I made a starter when we started staying home and have been maintaining it ever since and watching videos about bread making. My husband said "are we ever going to have any bread?" I always had the timing off or didn't feed it at the right intervals. After finding this I finally am trying to bake it. Hooray!

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

That's great, let us know how it turns out!

[@sandrat5971]

I baked my first sourdough loaf today in my small enameled cast iron Dutch oven. . The flavor is lovely. Texture is lovely. It was hard to cut evenly.

[@TheStarchild65]

@@sandrat5971 yes that so you have an excuse to eat slices like a doorstop

[@kdbaxter]

Love the simplicity! I've used THIS video for about a year now - saved in favorites & refer to it whenever I make a loaf. Also love your presentation style and have watched several of your sourdough discussions. Thanks for being here! ❤

[@candecarro]

I travel sometimes away from my regular home for a month or two at a time. About six months ago I learned to just put my starter in my fridge and forget it. And my bread has been terrific. It’s the best tip I’ve gotten (and used). This is definitely one of the best-ever sourdough videos!

[@kimkelley-wagner7061]

OMG, thank you! I had just finished making my starter and was ready to learn how to make some sourdough bread. I watched several other tutorials previous to this one and honestly was ready to just forget the whole thing and throw the starter away because the process seemed so time consuming and complicated. Praise be the next video in line was this one, which restored my hope and saved the day! I now feel confident that I too can make a lovely loaf a bread and that I don't need to devote my entire life to the task. Thank you Ben Starr! Subscribed!

[@Valerie-ut2dk]

Thanks for this. I've spent the last two weeks starting, throwing out and re-starting my starter before even attempting the bread! My mom grew up on a small farm in Europe where, in addition to everything else, they grew and ground their flour and of course baked their own bread. I kept wondering how they did it! I can't imagine that they went through all the drama to produce artisanal bread - they had a farm to run and many mouths to feed! Sadly she's not around anymore to guide me but I suspect her approach was more along the lines of the no-nonsense described here. I am ready to give it a go! Again, thanks so much for this.

[@robertastewart2083]

Love your relaxed approach to sourdough! There are so many recipes on KZbin that are so precise and complicated that I was just about ready to give up trying to make sourdough bread. I think I shall give your recipe a try. Thank you.

[@abbyemmons4088]

I so much appreciate the good old fashioned simplicity of this forgiving recipe, thank you for making the process approachable and appealing for the long term

[@dexterne]

I'm slighty lazier than even you and still make fantastic sourdough bread with very similar techniques. Totally right about starter being bulletproof. You do not have to baby it, or the dough. I prefer two rolled baguettes on a pizza stone w parchment over the boule in the dutch. 25 min at 450 and much less risk of burns when you use a pizza peel, but you still get the thermal mass effect. Made my latest batch just this morning.

[@jamiehsieh5843]

may i ask you...do you just take this recipe and cut in half for the 2 rolled baguettes? what approximate size do you shape the baguettes to be?

[@dexterne]

@@jamiehsieh5843 yep, I just cut the doughball in half and roll out 15" long logs with my hands on a flour dusted stone counter. My pizza stone is about 15" square and my roll of parchment is about 15" wide. I use 4 cups flour to 2 cups of water to give you an idea of the volume of the dough ball. Sourdough is very forgiving and everyone develops their own technique and preferences. I say just give it a shot and if you think there is room for improvement, tweak your technique to fix any flaws. My first loaves had a gummy line in the bottom fixed by upping the temperature, dialing in the time and switching to the thinner baguette form. I also started by doing a seedy crust, but it doesn't stick well and was a mess to clean up. If I want seeds I put them straight in the dough. Lately I've fallen in love with doing an egg wash on my loaves. It makes the crust more elastic initially, eliminating the need to slash the top and the finished crust is shiny deep brown and crispy.

[@isabelchilian2930]

Hi Tim Dexter, thank you for sharing your techniques. In tablespoon measurement, how many tables spoon do you use for your recipe dough ?

[@dexterne]

@@isabelchilian2930 do you mean tbsp of starter? I keep my starter in a Mason jar in the fridge. The night before baking I take it out, there is ~2tbsp remaining. I don't pour off the hooch. I add 1tbsp sugar, 1tbsp rye flour, 3tbsp bread flour, 5tbsp water and stir with a butterknife. I heat 2 coffee mugs of water to boiling in the microwave. I put the jar in the microwave and let it wake up in the hot steamy environment overnight. 8am, I mix the dough (4cups bread flour, 2cups water 2tsp salt, 1/4 cup sugar, nuts/seeds/oats to taste) and put all but 2tbsp of starter in and put it back in the fridge for next time, usually 1-4 weeks. I don't feed it in between. I then heat 4 mugs in the microwave and put the dough in to rise while i go to work. 5pm i stretch and fold ~6x, rest for 2hrs. 7pm oven to 450, roll out loaves on parchment. When preheated bake 28min. Cool on a wire rack, ready to eat in 30 min.

[@isabelchilian2930]

@@dexterne Hi Tim, Thank you so much for writing so soon!! I really appreciate it. So lazy me I did not check my message to you before I sent it... it was about the amount of salt! Now I know you use 2 tsp salt! Fantastic! Your recipe in cups and tablespoons measurement I love it!! In ounces It messes me up big time. Thank you Tim :)

[@lyds3366]

Hi Ben, I’ve been on a rollercoaster trying this sourdough journey and it’s been so confusing, but you’ve just made everything clear and easy for me. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@paulinewilliam1178]

I have literally spent the whole day looking at sourdough recipe videos and yours is by far the simplest! Thank you.

[@judysstudios]

I appreciate your thoughtfulness to include the written instructions with this video. Almost all other baking videos include a few sentences of simplified instructions, which do not really help. I love your video and the written instructions which I can copy and paste. Love this kind of lazy people videos and instructions and way to learn. Thank you

[@stephanier2860]

Thanks so much for the simplicity. As someone with ADHD, I found other videos overwhelming. This is the one I will try.

[@unkwm128]

well said

[@Rose-115]

I have dyslexia I really gave up. Finding this was a perfect accident!! I’m soooo happy!!

[@peytoncarter172]

Same here! Love his videos

[@titokosh6293]

Finally, a sourdough recipe and instructions that isn’t daunting? This will definitely a keeper recipe and will be a staple in our household. You are amazing, Ben! We have watched you in Masterchef and we were all rooting for you!

[@marthajanssen9623]

Followed your recipe and my sourdough bread came out perfect! Thank you!

[@pernagordas]

Happy new year Ben! I just want to thank you for this brilliant recipe! You made 2023 start for me in a very good note. I am a sourdough bread lover and have been wanting to bake my own bread for a while. A year and a half ago I tried one recipie but was frustrated. So much work for such a poor result! This time I decided to try a simpler method and I found yours! I must say that my bread came out delicious! Even better than some store sourdoughs I've bought in the past! So, thanks a lot! This recipie is definitely going to be part of my weekly bakings. I wish I could send you a photo of my yummy loaf! 😁

[@robertslocum2555]

3 month Update: Thank you Ben. Im baking two perfect loaves of bread each weekend now. This video put me on the right path.

[@trippeehippee]

Oh and btw, I just baked this and it turned out perfect!! I bake a lot of bread but have always been intimidated by the process of sour dough but your method really breaks it down so anyone can bake sour dough! Thank you so much!

[@starlaferguson1893]

Thank you for teaching us the uncomplicated way with sourdough. It makes so much sense. As our forefathers couldn’t be bothered with waste and complicated methods to feed their families. I wish I had started baking with sourdough years ago.

[@susanmolnar7323]

Ben! Awesome teaching video! So completely easy to follow instructions as well. Now... I do admit love the look and taste and hole filled results of sourdough breads that have gone through all the stretching and folding and waiting and stretching and folding and waiting for the first and second rising, but my goodness this is so much easier than all of that effort for that look. I may well never go back to the way I first learned to bake sourdough. I am very happy with my results! Woot! Thanks a million!

[@emberleemanes6335]

Thank you! You took the overwhelm out of sourdough for me and I've been making delicious loaves for a year! Love your recipe!!

[@HighDesertVideos]

EXCELLENT! One of the best sourdough videos I've ever watched & I've watched a lot of them! THANK YOU

[@hollyperry1111]

We all love this recipe! My kids saw the videos title and started calling me lazy (a very busy homeschooling mom of 4😂)

[@littlemontanalady]

I've been struggling to make sourdough for a month now and this is hands down the only recipe that worked like it should for me. I love how he included the loaf pan as that is how I like to bake it. I did have to increase the salt a bit for my taste but other then that this is now my go to sourdough recipe.

[@fehramadnal460]

“Time is gold”; thus, i’m gonna go for this instruction once my sourdough starter is ready! Really enjoyed watching your video! 😁

[@stitchknit72]

I knew as soon as I started to grow a starter, the yeast shortage would end. Yesterday I started & today I found boxes & boxes of yeast on the store shelves! But I love the sour dough taste & hate the big open holes in it. Your loaf looks like the texture I prefer. I will surely try it your way. Thank you.

[@danmerritt5153]

Thank you for your series of videos! I've used your method and my bread comes out great, and agreed about not needing to feed your starter unless you need more. So again, thanks for being a voice of reason in the sourdough world!

[@laurenhansonpettit3461]

Ahh!! Started my starter from scratch and it just doubled last night! Gonna start my bulk ferment this evening, shape in the morning and bake on Wednesday. Can't wait!!

[@juliaw_z]

I can't tell you how helpful all of your videos are. I made my starter based on your series out of bleached all purpose flour. Your scientific explanations are so, so helpful and interesting. Please keep making more videos and series like these! I'm seriously sharing a playlist of them with all of my friends, you are the best!

[@brendadeas8840]

I have watched and read about making sourdough and just decided it would demand too much of my attention. I love this method and I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Especially the first several minutes. I can't wait to try this! Thank you.

[@jaymediane]

HI Ben, just a BIG thank you for your bread videos and this recipe in particular. I have been trying for years to get a nice fluffy loaf and this was the closest I have ever come, and with such ease. Thank you!

[@debrarichardson7172]

I am so excited to try your sourdough bread recipe. I started my own sourdough starter this past Monday, it’s now Friday and it’s getting real active. I be back to reference this video when my starter is ready to use. I can’t wait. It’s been 20 yrs since I’ve made sourdough from my Mom & Dads sourdough starter. They would be proud that I’m attempting to make my own from beginning to end.

[@gillianw9099]

I’ve been trying to find a super simple method. Yahoo, I love it, I prefer the type of crumb suitable for sandwiches. Perfect.

[@JulieG-kg5ue]

I was so skeptical but his worked!! my family said of all the loaves I have made this one was the absolute best! Never going back.. this is my new favorite!

[@machaellhearlson6924]

I had never actually made sourdough bread before finding your videos. Thank you for taking all of the mystery out of it! My bread has been perfect every time!

[@jenniferdent5157]

Thank you! This is great! Used your recipe and directions tonight. 4th try at sour dough and this was by far the best! Love the simplicity! ❤️

[@narratorjamesvo]

You, sir, are a God send. Thank you for this. I originally used an Irishman's method and recipe for my sourdough bread. I have my starter fed, and it's approximately 1 year old. I'm definitely switching to your method. Thanks!

[@roki5337]

This is the best. all the fancy stuff just wasn't around back then I love the easy simple pureness of the sourdough.

[@warburton3799]

You've removed the fears and anxiety out of breadmaking. I treated the starter/levian/dough like a holy icon. Now you have shown me more simplistic and approachable techniques.

[@michelemcclain6217]

Thank you. I loved the look of the bread a little more dense! Wonderful instructions and gave options to various aspects of the recipe!

[@tmec52]

Ben, Thank you so much for clearing up so many rumors, opinions and directions that have been circulating all over the web. By keeping it very "simple" you boosted our confidence and jump started our desire to make a fantastic sourdough loaf without stressing over the details!

[@myriamdegreif7177]

I tried for months to bake a sauerdough and it always turned out to be a flat bread. With your recepie I finaly succeded! And no babysitting, no strong flower, unbelievable! So happy! Thanks Ben! Love from Antwerp, Belgium 😁

[@markbaker42]

Thankyou Ben! You were the first one who helped me to actually make a great but simple sourdough loaf! Like many people I watched a ton of videos of how to's and I tried quite a few of their methods. I had relative success but always came back to your video. I love your presentation, humour and honesty!! I've recomended you to multiple people. Your a champ mate. Love from Australia!

[@mchurch3905]

Thanks for de-mystifying the starter in the back of my fridge for many years. I’ve been turning out some really good, “pandemic” sourdough bread.

[@theresafinn4257]

I’ve always abused my starter and it’s always worked well. Just discovered no knead bread. So much easier than folding every hour and as you said, the holes cannot be buttered. Thank you.

[@EluviumMC]

I appreciate this video so much since it skips the fancy methods of performing a roabaun, doing several stretch-and-folds, and all that and just gets to the business of making a simple loaf of bread. I have never made bread of any kind before, so having this simple method is reatly appreciated and I enjoyed my first loaf today. I think there were some mistakes I made along the way, but it's just part of learning and I'm looking forward to getting even better results after the delicious one I had today.

[@vickirobles3406]

I have watched’tons of tutorials on sourdough bread 🥖 and I do love ❤️ the simplicity of yours the best. I made my own sour dough starter in the winter time when living in the Northern Sierra Mtns and I had to wrap the jar with a heating pad, placed under blankets on my very warm 💦 bed!! I baked with it everyday for my sons and hubby plus the firehouse my hubby worked at. I kept that starter going for 3 years-oh how I have missed it!! Peace and blessings, Vicki Robles

[@jabberbinablan7808]

Absolutely gorgeous I have been baking with sourdough for many years today I discovered something worthy every second i watched your video. Good luck and many thanks

[@laurierohl7647]

I have been overwhelmed in the recipes after I created my starter. AND only tried 2 times and NOT GOOD. I am so excited to try your method. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@barbarabrown5517]

Your sourdough starter recipe works great! Thank you! So glad I found your site!

[@Anna-ss4sf]

Dang! I’m doing this! At the moment I’m babying a starter along. Once it seems bubbly enough I’m definitely doing that greased-up-plastic-baggie-on-the-counter-for-24hrs thing. Love the kitchen shears tip too.

[@melindadavis920]

I freakin love your channel!!! You’re the first one that makes me actually WANT to bake!! Great personality and 💯 percent honest! Thank you 😊

[@CatherineMorris53]

Thank you!!!! Have been trying to learn how to make sourdough bread from the recipes that require hours of folding and fussing and had many failures. Tried your method yesterday and this morning I baked a huge delicious boule of sourdough worthy of acclaim! Glad I found your video. Simple, easy, delicious! Thumbs up!

[@maryharker5088]

OMG! My dough was VERY sticky and wet and I wasn’t sure if it would even work, but I bake it anyway expecting a failed loaf…but, I just took mine out of the oven, let it cool, and cut a slice. The best thing ever!!!! Thank you so much chef Ben for sharing your knowledge and skill with us. I will never go back to buying bread. It was fun and easy and the Dutch oven is a phenomenal baking vessel.

[@glammav14344]

Thank you! I love your process! I love that it doesn’t have those large holes where butter can drip, so messy!

[@yeihyah802]

This is crazy good. I just baked 2 loafs and my kiddos are almost done with 1. Super informative and may we say crazy easy!!! Thank you so much Ben Starr the ultimate food geek!

[@margaretward5061]

Mr. Starr, thank you so much for this video! You demystified sourdough bread making which has scared me for my whole bread making "career." My husband loves the bread I make, but he's wanted me to try sourdough for years. Hmmm, and then starter appeared from Amazon. I took the hint and was so glad I found your video. I watched it once through and then paused it many, many times throughout the process. We now have a lovely, tasty loaf! Yippee!!! I don't expect such great success every time, but I'm off and running. You must know me, because you left nothing to chance, you told me which rack to use and not to touch the baking vessel without gloves! I sincerely appreciate your video. You're welcome to bake in my kitchen anytime.

[@Jellybellycat]

Thank you. This is so helpful. I’ve been reading and watching as much as I can find. You’re the first person that has given more information re: using whole wheat flour.

[@kckola4553]

Dude. I consider myself the luckiest bread baker to have found your channel. I am all about contrarian anything, and your methods are simply the best. Thanks for this and keep up the great work!

[@adlitamsith7023]

Huge thanks for your scissor tip, and for giving me confidence to use unfed starter and leave my bread to just do its thing! I’ve finally managed to make a successful boule shaped loaf! :)

[@mcdeveney]

OMG, I have been doing the “other” method and half the time don’t end up making the bread because the timing wasn’t right. Can’t wait to try your method. Thank you for sharing!

[@debbiey9954]

Finally, a clear road map to deliciousness! I gave up a year ago, but am inspired to start anew. So appreciate your efforts to send us on an easier course!

[@ChristianPatriotGrandma]

I’m a newbie with the whole starter and sourdough process. I recently got a starter from a local bakery but it was only 20 grams and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I figured the first thing I needed to do was feed it to generate MORE of the starter. Your video was a great help! Thank you so much!!!

[@trixiepickle8779]

Brilliant, had given up the will to live with other vids on here. Thank you so much for this and the sour dough starter recipe. Marvellous.