Old-style San Francisco Sourdough Bread Guide “old-style” San Francisco Sourdough Bread: My Newest Quest

When it comes to the art of bread making, few loaves are as iconic and revered as San Francisco-style sourdough bread. With its tangy flavor, chewy yet light texture, and beautifully blistered crust, this bread is a favorite among bread enthusiasts around the world. In this post, we will explore the secrets behind making authentic San Francisco sourdough bread in your own kitchen.

A Journey to the City by the Bay

San Francisco, known for its diverse culinary scene, is often credited with popularizing sourdough bread in the United States. The city’s unique microclimate and wild yeast population contribute to the distinct flavor and character of its sourdough. To replicate that flavor, we need to capture and cultivate a wild yeast starter.

Capturing the Wild Yeast

In the quest for authentic San Francisco-style sourdough bread, capturing the wild yeast is the crucial first step. This wild yeast, often found in the air and on the surface of grains, imparts the characteristic tanginess that sets San Francisco sourdough apart from other breads. Here’s how to capture your own wild yeast starter:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a clean glass jar, mix the flour and water until well combined.
2. Cover the jar with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm spot for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours, discard half of the starter and feed it with equal parts flour and water.
4. Repeat this process every day for about a week, discarding half of the starter and refreshing it with fresh flour and water each time.
5. Your wild yeast starter is now ready to use!

Baking the Perfect San Francisco Sourdough

Now that you have your wild yeast starter, it’s time to put it to good use and bake a delicious loaf of San Francisco sourdough bread. Follow these steps for best results:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup wild yeast starter

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Stir until a rough dough forms.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Add the salt and wild yeast starter to the dough. Mix until well incorporated.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 3-4 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a dutch oven or baking stone inside to preheat as well.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, carefully transfer it to a floured surface.
8. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
9. Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
10. Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make a few shallow slashes on the surface of the dough to allow for expansion.
11. Transfer the dough, along with the parchment paper, into the preheated dutch oven or onto the baking stone.
12. Cover the dutch oven with its lid or use a large overturned bowl to create a steamy environment for the bread.
13. Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid or bowl and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
14. Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips and Variations:

While the above recipe will yield a classic San Francisco sourdough bread, there are endless possibilities for experimentation and personalization. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you create your own unique variations:

1. Add grains and seeds:

Give your sourdough extra texture and flavor by incorporating various grains and seeds into the dough. Try adding flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, or even cracked wheat for a rustic touch.

2. Experiment with different flours:

While bread flour is traditionally used in San Francisco sourdough, feel free to experiment with other flours like whole wheat, rye, or spelt. Each type of flour will bring its own distinct flavor and characteristics to the bread.

3. Play with hydration levels:

The hydration level of your dough refers to the amount of water used in relation to the amount of flour. Adjusting the hydration can significantly impact the texture and crumb structure of the bread. A higher hydration will result in a more open and holey crumb, while a lower hydration will yield a denser texture.

4. Extend the fermentation time:

Sourdough bread benefits from a long fermentation period, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen. Consider refrigerating the dough overnight after shaping to extend the fermentation time and enhance the sourness of the bread.

5. Get creative with scoring:

The score marks made on the surface of the bread not only help with its expansion during baking but also create visually appealing patterns. Let your creativity shine by experimenting with different scoring patterns, from simple slashes to intricate designs.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Now that you know the secrets behind making authentic San Francisco-style sourdough bread, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Whether you choose to stick to the traditional recipe or embark on your own variation, the process of sourdough bread-making is a rewarding and delicious journey. So, gather your ingredients, capture that wild yeast, and let your kitchen fill with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread.

References:

• Wild Yeast San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread | Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• “Old-Style” San Francisco Sourdough Bread: My newest quest | The Fresh Loaf
• My quest for “Old-Style” San Francisco Sourdough bread: A tasty
• A Traditional San Francisco Sourdough Bread Recipe {Organic and GMO
• Wild Yeast San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread | Karen’s Kitchen Stories