Exploring various flour ratios and hydration levels is a great way to delve deeper into the art of sourdough bread. With its higher water absorption, whole wheat flour may prompt you to up the hydration for a more open crumb texture. In this particular batch, I blended 60% white and 40% whole wheat flour, with an 80% hydration, resulting in a beautiful open structure. Managing a dough with increased hydration can pose a slight challenge in the initial attempts, but the rewarding final outcome makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

Ingredients

Makes 2 loaves

140g active starter/levain

420g white white flour

280g whole wheat flour

550g water (+10g)

14g salt

Steps

STEP 1 | Autolyse

In a large bowl, combine the flour with 550g water and knead until there is no dry flour left. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 2 hours.

STEP 2 | Add starter/levain

Add 140g active starter/levain and knead until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 min.

STEP 3 | Add salt

Add 14g salt and 10g water and knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth and supple. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 min.

STEP 4 | Bulk fermentation

Perform one stretch and fold, rest the dough for 30 min, then perform four sets of coil folds, each 30 min apart.

Once you complete the last coil fold, cover the bowl and wait until the dough increases in volume by about 80%-90%.

STEP 5 | Pre-shape

Transfer the dough onto a work surface, cut it in half with a bench scraper and pre-shape each part into a round. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for 30 min.

STEP 6 | Shape & cold proof

After the 30-minute bench rest, shape the dough and transfer to the proofing baskets. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for about 12 hours in the fridge.

STEP 7 | Score & bake

The next morning, score the dough, transfer to your baking dish, cover with the lid and place in the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes at 250°C/480°F, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 230°C/450°F.

Once baked, repeat with the second loaf.

Happy baking!

If you require more detailed recipe instructions, refer to our Beginner’s Sourdough Recipe.

And if you haven’t baked sourdough bread before, or need more guidance, check our New To Sourdough Baking section, where you can find details such as how to make your starter from scratch or the tools required to bake your first loaf of bread (including some of the tools we personally recommend).