Cheater Sourdough Recipe
Don't have the time or patience for a real sourdough loaf? Here's a simple recipe to make a cheat sourdough loaf:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast optional
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt or buttermilk, and water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- If desired, add instant yeast and honey or sugar to enhance the rise and flavor. Mix well.
- Sprinkle salt evenly over the dough and incorporate it thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 2-3 hours at room temperature. This allows the fermentation process to take place.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen and developed small bubbles on the surface, gently shape it into a round or oval loaf on a well-floured surface.
- Carefully transfer the shaped dough into the preheated pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Tips for Success:
While cheat sourdough can be made without yeast, using a small amount of instant yeast can help boost the rise and give your bread a lighter texture.
Adjust the resting time according to your preference. The longer the dough ferments, the more pronounced the sourdough flavor will be.
Use a preheated pot with a lid for baking to create steam, which helps develop a crisp crust.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure a well-formed crumb structure.