Welcome to the world of sourdough bread baking! As an experienced baker, I've made my fair share of mistakes. Let me share 8 common ones to avoid.
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1. Not using a kitchen scale. Baking is a science and accurate measurements are crucial. Invest in a good scale and follow the recipe precisely.
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2. Skipping the autolyse step. This is when you mix flour and water and let it rest. It helps develop gluten and improves the texture of your bread.
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3. Using tap water. Chlorine in tap water can kill the natural yeast in your starter. Use filtered or bottled water for best results.
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4. Not feeding your starter regularly. A healthy starter is the key to a successful sourdough bread. Feed it at least once a week to keep it active.
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5. Overproofing your dough. It's tempting to let your dough rise for longer, but it can lead to a flat and dense loaf. Follow the recipe's proofing time.
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6. Not shaping your dough properly. A well-shaped dough will result in a beautiful loaf with a good rise. Watch tutorials and practice to perfect your technique.
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7. Baking at the wrong temperature. Every oven is different, so invest in an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature for your bread.
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8. Cutting into your bread too soon. As tempting as it may be, let your bread cool completely before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.
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Avoid these mistakes and you'll be on your way to baking the perfect sourdough bread. Happy baking!