DIY Guide: Baking Your Own Tel Aviv-Inspired Sourdough Bread

Introduction to Tel Aviv-Inspired Sourdough

Tel Aviv is known for its vibrant culinary scene, where traditional flavors meet modern innovation. One such delightful creation inspired by this city is the Tel Aviv-style sourdough bread. This bread is characterized by its crispy crust and tangy flavor, reminiscent of the Mediterranean breeze. In this DIY guide, we'll walk you through the steps to bake your own Tel Aviv-inspired sourdough bread right in your kitchen.

Baking sourdough bread might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of patience and practice, you'll be able to create a loaf that rivals those from the best bakeries in Tel Aviv. Let's dive into the process and explore how you can bring a taste of Israel into your home.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need:

• 500g of strong bread flour
• 100g of whole wheat flour
• 375ml of water
• 100g of active sourdough starter
• 10g of sea salt

The combination of strong bread flour and whole wheat flour creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly to ensure a successful rise.

Preparing the Dough

Once your ingredients are ready, it's time to prepare the dough. Follow these steps:

1. Mix the Flours and Water: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and water. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover the bowl and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Add the Sourdough Starter: After the resting period, add your active sourdough starter to the dough. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Incorporate Salt: Sprinkle the sea salt over the dough and knead it gently until the salt is fully absorbed.

The Fermentation Process

The magic of sourdough lies in its fermentation. During this stage, you'll let your dough rise and develop its unique flavor. Here's how:

Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it ferment at room temperature for about 4-5 hours. To enhance gluten development, perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first two hours. This process helps to build strength in the dough.

Shaping and Proofing

After the initial fermentation, it's time to shape your dough. Gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Transfer it to a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured cloth.

Allow the shaped dough to proof in the refrigerator overnight, which will enhance its flavor and texture. The next day, your dough will be ready to bake.

Baking Your Sourdough Bread

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Once preheated, carefully place your dough into the hot Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp blade, and cover it with the lid. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. The irresistible aroma will make it hard to wait, but allowing it to cool ensures the perfect texture.

Enjoying Your Homemade Creation

Your Tel Aviv-inspired sourdough bread is now ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with hummus, olive oil, or simply enjoy it on its own. This homemade delight not only brings the flavors of Tel Aviv to your table but also fills your home with the rewarding aroma of freshly baked bread.

Baking sourdough bread can be a deeply satisfying experience, offering both delicious results and a connection to global culinary traditions. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with your homemade Tel Aviv-inspired sourdough!