My quick-start guide to sourdough
Sourdough can be intimidating and I found that there is a lot of conflicting and mind-boggling information out there for someone who is trying to get started. I’ve assembled this list as a sort-of quick start guide. Hope it helps!
Resources:
Maurizio’s The Perfect Loaf is a great place to start. He explains the process in a really clear way. I recommend checking out his FAQ’s and recipes for more information.
I use Chad Robertson’s cookbook “Tartine Bread” for extremely thorough and well-written sourdough recipes. My copy is very, very worn.
The Kitchn also explains the process really well, I’ve referred people to this sourdough starter tutorial.
Essential tools:
A ripe starter. You can make your own or ask a local bakery for a little of theirs!
I think a Staub dutch oven is the perfect pot to make the bread because it keeps it moist and retains heat really nicely. If you don’t have one already it is an investment but you will find that it is great for other recipes too!
A lame or razor blade
I've learned that you can hack a strainer and a cloth for the rising baskets at first until you get the hang of it (and so you aren't buying a bunch of stuff at once).
A dough scraper is life changing and makes clean up easy as well!
